Asia Rugby

Regional Association of the Governing Body for the Global Game

Bringing Asia together
through the spirit of Rugby

Chief Executive Officer- Asia Rugby

Job Description

Chief Executive Officer- Asia Rugby

  1. Introduction

Asia Rugby is entering its next phase of strategic development and growth across the continent. To support the continued expansion of competitions, development pathways, and commercial partnerships, the Executive Committee seeks to appoint a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to guide the organisation in delivering its strategic objectives.

The CEO will work closely with member unions, partners, sponsors, and relevant stakeholders to strengthen Asia Rugby’s activities and competitions, enhance operational delivery, and support the sustainable development of rugby across Asia.

  1. Position Details

Position Title: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Reports To: Dual to the Executive Committee (EXCO) and Asia Rugby President
Location: Based in Asia Rugby’s administrative offices in Dubai – United Arab Emirates.
Contract Type: Full-time, fixed-term (initial 3-year term, renewable based on performance)
Target Commencement Date: January 2026

  1. About Asia Rugby

Asia Rugby is the regional governing body for rugby in Asia, recognised by World Rugby. It represents 36 member unions and is committed to promoting, developing, and administering rugby across all levels from grassroots to elite performance. Its vision is to build a sustainable, inclusive, and high-performing rugby ecosystem across Asia, aligned with World Rugby’s global strategic framework.

  1. Position Summary

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational management, financial sustainability  and overall performance of Asia Rugby. Dual reporting to the Executive Committee and the President, the CEO ensures that Asia Rugby continues to grow participation, enhance competitions, and advance the sport’s development across the region.

The role involves leading the administration, supporting member unions, managing stakeholder relationships, overseeing Asia Rugby’s development and competition portfolios, and driving commercial and partnership initiatives that contribute to the organisation’s long-term sustainability and impact.

  1. Key Responsibilities

5.1 Strategic and Organisational Leadership

  • Lead the implementation of Asia Rugby’s Strategic Plan and annual operating plans.
  • Provide strategic guidance and executive-level support to the Executive Committee and Council.
  • Foster a collaborative, professional, and high-performing culture.
  • Ensure effective planning, execution, and reporting across functional areas.

5.2 Governance and Administration

  • Ensure alignment with Asia Rugby’s Constitution, policies, and regulatory requirements.
  • Support the effective functioning of committees and working groups.
  • Oversee operations with clear reporting lines and efficient systems.
  • Ensure compliance with legal, administrative, and organisational requirements.

5.3 Financial and Commercial Management

  • Lead annual budgeting, financial planning, and financial reporting processes.
  • Expand commercial revenue streams, manage sponsorships and grants.
  • Drive diversified revenue growth through strategic partnership , commercial activities, and sponsorship initiatives that strengthen Asia Rugby’s long-term financial sustainability.
  • Develop governments’ partnerships and revenue opportunities that support Asia Rugby activities and competitions.

5.4 Stakeholder and Partnership Engagement

  • Maintain strong relationships with member unions, regional bodies, Olympic committees, and World Rugby.
  • Represent Asia Rugby in regional and international forums, ensuring the organisation’s interests and effectively advocates.
  • Support collaborative initiatives that strengthen rugby development across Asia.
  • Engage with sponsors, commercial partners and relevant stakeholders to enhance Asia Rugby’s visibility and value proposition.

5.5 Competitions and Development

  • Oversee the successful delivery of Asia Rugby competitions and development programmes.
  • Support capacity-building pathways for players, coaches, match officials, and administrators.
  • Promote women’s rugby, youth rugby, and inclusion programmes across the region.

5.6 Communications and Brand Development

  • Enhance Asia Rugby’s brand visibility and engagement across media and digital platforms.
  • Ensure consistent and positive representation of Asia Rugby’s values and initiatives.
  • Ensure that all communication reinforce Asia Rugby’s credibility and transparency.
  • Oversee Asia Rugby’s communication strategy and public representation.

5.7 People and Culture

  • Lead and develop a diverse, multinational management and operational teams.
  • Promote a positive, empowering, equitable and performance-driven working environment.
  • Oversee athlete welfare, ensuring health, safety and well-being policies are implemented across all Asia Rugby events.
  • Instill performance discipline, accountability, and culture of continuous improvement within the management and operational teams.
  1. Supervisory Responsibilities
  • Asia Rugby staff
  • Regional Managers, Contractors and Consultants
  • Heads of Development, Competitions, High Performance, Finance, and Administration
  • Contractors and support personnel as appointed
  1. Candidate Characteristics

7.1 Essential

  • Minimum 10 years with leadership experience in sport administration, international NGOs, or related sectors.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead multi-country operations and diverse teams.
  • Experience in financial planning, operational management, and strategic execution.
  • Strong relationship-building and communication skills across cultures.
  • High level of professionalism, integrity, and cultural awareness.

7.2 Desirable

  • Executive experience in rugby or other international/continental sporting federations.
  • Proven success in sponsorship, commercial partnerships, or elite sports programs experience.
  • Multilingual communication ability (especially in major Asian languages).
  1. Position Requirements
  • Must be based in Asia Rugby’s administrative offices in Dubai – United Arab Emirates.
  • Must have valid work permit in the United Arab Emirates.
  • Willingness to travel extensively within Asia and internationally.
  • Subject to background and reference checks prior to appointment.
  • To commence work on or before 31st March 2026.

To Apply : https://bit.ly/AR-JOB_CEO 
Deadline : 6th Dec 2025