MANAWATU RUGBY UNION Director of Rugby JOB DESCRIPTION

MANAWATU RUGBY UNION
Director of Rugby
JOB DESCRIPTION
• Updated Jan 08

Manawatu Rugby Union
TITLE: Director of Rugby Name:
Reports to: Chief Executive Location: The White (Turbos) House, Massey
University and Head Office,
Palmerston North
Liaises with:
Internal
• MRU Academy
• Rugby Development Team
• Commercial / Marketing Department
• Finance & Administration Manager
• Turbos Head Coach/Management
• Other MRU Support Staff & Board
• Rep team management
Liaises with:
External
• Constituent Rugby Clubs and Club Coaches
• Team Sponsors
• NZRU Personnel
• Provincial Unions
• Media
POSITION OBJECTIVE
To manage the rugby arm of the Manawatu Rugby Union by providing direction and strong
leadership to the MRU rugby personnel ensuring that the best possible players wear the Turbos
jersey and represent the rugby playing and supporting community of a proud rugby region.
PURPOSE OF POSITION
1. The Director of Rugby is an integral member of the MRU and is expected to develop a working
knowledge of the MRU‘s goals and objectives and contribute to the achievement of these to the
best of his/her ability.
2. The Director of Rugby is responsible for the efficient and effective operational management of
representative teams (B's, Women, Sevens, Maori and U20 & U18’s) and players playing under the
MRU banner.
3. The Director of Rugby is responsible for the management of the Air NZ Cup A team, known as the
Manawatu Turbos.
4. The Director of Rugby will ideally have a good knowledge and understanding of coaching that will
enable the position to evolve with a stronger focus on coaching support in the future.

KEY TASKS
1. Operational Management of all MRU
Representative Teams
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
1.1 Ensure all day to day operations of all MRU
Representative Teams are to a high
standard, therefore achieving KPIs (U18 up).
2. Manager of the Air NZ Cup A team 2.1 Responsible for all management of the
unions Air NZ Cup team with associated
KPI’s (& Rugbynet) and support personal.
3. Representative Team Draw Schedule 3.1 Co-ordinate with all stake holders and
responsible MRU staff to finalise pre-season
and in season Representative Team Draws.
4. Representative Team Schedules 4.1 Once Representative Team Schedules are
completed ensure all Travel and
Accommodation requirements for all Teams
are professionally managed utilizing Union
sponsors where appropriate.
5. Representative Team Apparel and
Operating Equipment
5.1 Select the appropriate Representative Team
Apparel that will portray the Professionalism
that the MRU is striving for on and off the
field at all levels.
6. Establish appropriate policies and
procedures so as to manage the teams
behavior and dress codes, as well as
administering agreed disciplinary or
judiciary measures for any breaches,
which may include a fine system
7. Representative Team Coach, Manager
and Support Staff Selection. (not directly
involved in the selection of the A team
manager)
8. The manager shall manage and coordinate
all off field communication,
reporting back to the CEO, the Board,
the Referees, Supporters, Clubs and the
wider rugby fraternity
6.1 All policies and procedures understood and
being implemented. Support manual for all
managers updated and available (B's,
Women, Sevens, Maori and U20 & U18’s),
including records of all allocations by season.
7.1 Implement and carry out a transparent and
fair selection procedure for all Representative
Team Coaches, Managers and Support Staff
in consultation with Union Coaching and
Support staff and policy.
8.1 Up to the minute open, effective and
professional communication with all sectors
on all Representative Team Developments
(B's, Women, Sevens, Maori and U20 &
U18’s).

9. To ensure the squads as a whole and as
individuals develop a community
responsive profile by applying high
ethical standards and behaviour which
are not only widely acceptable to the
community, but ensure both the squad
and individual players time are in
demand from the community
10. Establish and maintain player profiles
and Database for all MRU contracted
players.
11. Centralize Logistics and Budgets for all
Representative Teams.
12. To ensure monthly reporting on
operational plans, annual budget and
provide explanation on any variance.
9.1 Positive feedback from community. Positive
media profile for all teams and high levels of
demand for teams and individual
appearances. (Turbos will the prime focus but
B's, Women, Sevens, Maori and U20 & U18’s
should also be encouraged to participate)
10.1 Documented and up to date database.
11.1 Research, prepare and finalise all Team
Budgets ensuring that all MRU partners are
incorporated and efficiencies are incorporated
within all Team Budgets
12.1 In conjunction with the Professional Rugby Unit
and Financial Controller provide monthly
reports to the CEO/Board on plans including
variance against budget and provide input into
the Annual planning and budget process.
13. Contracted Player Management 13.1 Assist in identifying and securing all players
that are identified as players worthy of securing
MRU playing/Academy contracts. This task will
be in conjunction with Head Coach, Academy
Manager and CEO (or selection panel),
14. Sound Media Principles and
Organization.
15. Representative team Operational
Planning
14.1 Ensure all media are given as much
information surrounding all MRU
Representative Teams as possible,
15.1 Investigate, Plan and carry out an operational
plan for the season.
16. Staff Management 16.1 Manage and lead all direct reports ensuring
staff development programmes are planned
and implemented.
17. Report from the MRU Academy 17.1 Ensure the Academy manager receives the
oversight and support that is required to make
our union maintain a leadership role in NZ
rugby academy’s.
18. Oversee the coaching evolution of the
MRU in conjunction with appropriate
experts in that field.
18.1 Ensure that the future structure of the
professional rugby “coaching” at MRU is
reflective of best practice as soon as practical
and appropriate.