Senior Legel Counsel - Rugby
We are looking for a Senior Legal Counsel to help shape the future of rugby in Aotearoa!
Rugby brings people across Aotearoa together, from packed stadiums to community club rooms, and behind every match sits legal detail that keeps the game running smoothly. New Zealand Rugby is looking for a Senior Legal Counsel – Rugby to join our Legal team, based in either Wellington or Auckland, providing trusted legal advice that supports our Rugby Delivery team and rugby stakeholders around the country.
About the role
Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer, you will be the Legal team's key contact for our Rugby Delivery team along with the Provincial Unions, and Super Rugby Clubs nationwide. You will advise on Provincial Union funding arrangements, player contracting compliance, and Domestic Competitions Regulations, support Community Rugby initiatives and membership matters, and build strong relationships with stakeholders across the country, drawing on the wider Legal team when needed.
About you
You bring a law degree, completed legal professional studies, at least seven years' post-admission commercial law experience, ideally with some regulatory, compliance, or employment law exposure. You're a confident relationship builder and problem solver, who can turn complex legal frameworks into clear, practical advice. Sound judgement and resilience under pressure will serve you well, working at the heart of the game.
About Us
At NZR we love what we do, we work hard and have fun! You’ll be joining a team of awesome people who are passionate about the game and each other, and you’ll be backed with support to thrive in your role. We know that life isn’t all about work, so we are open to flexible working options.
We value diversity and inclusion and are committed to improving our cultural responsiveness. We embrace and respect each other’s values and we are so proud to be Rainbow Tick certified. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and walks of life.
What We Offer (benefits)
• Learn & Grow Your Career | Flexible Work Environment
• Receive Rugby Tickets | Sports Apparel | Discounts
• Wellbeing | 5 weeks Annual Leave | Social Club
If you are looking to join a fantastic group of people and think you have what it takes, then don’t delay, submit your CV and cover letter now! Don’t wait until the closing date to apply as we will be reviewing applications as we go.
>> Applications close at 5:00pm, Monday 31 August 2026
>> For a copy of the position description, click here
>> We welcome applicants from both Wellington and Auckland
To be considered for this position you must be legally entitled to work in Aotearoa New Zealand and obtain a clear MOJ check.
Studies have shown that people from under-represented backgrounds, including women, are less likely to apply for roles where they don't match the job description criteria exactly. If you're excited about this role and think you have what it takes, but your experience doesn't align 100%, we still want to hear from you and would encourage you to apply.
Our recruitment process is fair and inclusive and we encourage our applicants to let us know if we can make it more user-friendly for them. We value diverse perspectives and the contribution every one of our people makes to our culture. Put simply - you can be yourself here.
