Job Description
Premiership Rugby is looking for three Independent Members to join a newly formed Sporting Commission (“The Commission”).
The Commission will have full delegated authority from the Premiership Rugby Board to make all decisions related to Sporting and Regulatory (“S&R”) matters of Premiership Rugby, subject to a certain number of matters that are reserved.
At least one of the roles will bring experience or expertise from a player perspective, either as a recently retired ex-professional player or someone who has worked on behalf of players or in a player environment. We require a diversity of thinking and views and thinking within the Commission to ensure that the Objectives can be met.
PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:
The Objectives of the Commission will be to ensure that all S&R decisions:
Uphold the values of integrity, openness and accountability
Operate in the best interests of the league as a whole and to take decisions independently from individual Clubs
Promote long-term growth of the league for the benefit of fans, players, commercial partners, clubs, investors and potential investors
Balance interests including sporting integrity, sustainability, reputation and commercial growth
MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION
The Commission shall comprise:
Independent Chair
Three Independent Members
Chief Executive of Premiership Rugby
Rugby Director of Premiership Rugby
Each Independent Member must be independent of each Premiership Rugby Club and cannot be or have been an employee, director, or shareholder of Premiership Rugby Club in the last 2 years (save for the ex-professional player which may be less).
One of the Independent Members should bring experience or expertise from a player perspective, either as an ex-professional player or someone who has worked on behalf of players or in a player environment.
All Independent Members including the Chair will be appointed for a 3-year term with a maximum of 2 terms.
The Chair and the Independent Members shall be appointed through the Premiership Rugby Nominations Committee, Chaired by Martyn Phillips MBE, and shall require approval from the PRL Investor Board (i.e. the Premiership Rugby Clubs).
SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES
The Sporting Commission will have full delegated authority from the Premiership Rugby Board to decide all Sporting and Regulatory issues relating to the Clubs, the Premiership and other competitions organised by Premiership Rugby, subject to a certain number of matters that are reserved.
The Sporting Commission shall:
Uphold the values of integrity, openness and accountability
Operate in the best interests of the league as a whole and independent from individual Clubs
Promote long-term growth of the league for the benefit of fans, players, commercial partners, clubs, investors and potential investors
Balance interests including sporting integrity, sustainability, reputation and commercial growth
The Sporting Commission shall meet at least eight times per year but may require holding additional meetings at short notice.
Where possible, meetings will be held in person in London, but virtual meetings will also be held at the discretion of the Chair. It is expected that the first meeting of the Commission will be in person.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Previous non-executive or Board level experience is essential (save for the ex-professional player)
Experience in leading, or advising, in a high-pressure sporting environment, is highly desirable. Initial expectations are that at least one of the Independent members will have experience in a high-performance environment – either sporting or similar
Experience operating in a regulated industry would be desirable
Integrity and honesty
Strategic and analytical thinking
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
PREMIERSHIP RUGBY
Premiership Rugby is a private company, owned by the Member Clubs and CVC Capital Partners. It is principally responsible for the management of the Gallagher Premiership Rugby competition and is a shareholder in European Professional Championship Rugby (EPCR) which manages the Heineken Champions Cup and the Challenge Cup, in which the Member Clubs participate.
At Premiership Rugby, our vision is to create “Unmissable World-Class Sporting Entertainment that’s Accessible to All” and to be the “Beating Heart of the English Game”. Our core values are always to be inclusive, respectful, competitive, progressive, and professionally excellent in everything we do. You can read more about those values at:
How to apply
HOW TO APPLY In writing with a current CV (maximum 2 pages) and covering letter (maximum 2 pages) by e-mail to Martyn Phillips at: commission@premiershiprugby.com Closing Date: 10th February 2023