Rugby Business Management FAQ

Understanding the business of Rugby

 How popular is rugby, and can I get a job in it?

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Rugby is a popular global sport, and jobs in rugby are more accessible than many people realize. As the game continues to grow worldwide, opportunities often turn out to be closer to home than aspiring candidates expect.

 What rugby jobs exist in the United States?

Rugby in the United States is growing quickly, and Major League Rugby teams and the league office are actively hiring for roles such as communications and community relations, marketing, event management, sponsorship sales and activation, ticket sales, and web and creative services. A three year broadcast rights deal between Premiership Rugby and NBC Sports has also brought new exposure to the sport, which is driving additional demand for staff in management, sales, marketing, promotions, scouting, and analytics.

 What is the difference between Rugby League and Rugby Union?

The two codes have some significant differences. Rugby League is played with 13 players per side, while Rugby Union is played with 15 players per side. Rugby Union is the version featured in the Rugby World Cup.

 What countries play rugby?

Rugby is a truly global sport with roots dating back to the mid nineteenth century, and it is played competitively across dozens of countries spanning every continent.

Is rugby really a growing industry worldwide?

Yes. League leaders, including World Rugby's top executives, continue pushing to grow the sport into new markets, and the rapid rise in tournaments, events, teams, and broadcast deals is creating real business opportunities across club operations, agency work, administration, marketing, and revenue generation.

About the SMWW Rugby Business Management Course

 What is the Rugby Business Management course?

This is a comprehensive, eight week course fully focused on teaching the business side of rugby. It covers revenue raising, salary cap management, rugby sponsorship sales, game day operations, managing a community rugby program, and rugby public relations and media rights, giving students a complete view of how a rugby organization actually operates..

Who teaches the Rugby Business Management course?

The course is led by Mick Hogan, Managing Director of the Newcastle Falcons, along with SMWW's own rugby experts. Getting direct, weekly access to the Managing Director of a professional rugby club is a level of insider access that is difficult to find anywhere outside SMWW.

What topics does the course cover week to week?

Students learn revenue raising and new business development within rugby clubs, fundraising strategy, the responsibilities of a club's CEO and administration team, event day management, rugby academy management, and the fundamentals of working as a rugby agent.

Will this course actually help me find a job in rugby?

It is designed to help. After completing the course, SMWW helps graduates redesign their resume and CV to highlight their new skills and their direct training under a sitting Managing Director of a professional rugby club, which can meaningfully strengthen an application in a growing but still competitive field.

Does SMWW offer rugby agent representation as well?

Yes. SMWW operates one of the leading international rugby agencies, headed by RFU registered agent Jeff Murrells and supported by a worldwide network of Agent Advisors with offices across four hemispheres. Students who complete the Rugby Business Management course and are interested in representation can explore this path alongside the operations and administration side of the business.

What if I need one-on-one assistance?

SMWW staff are available by phone throughout the course for one on one help with coursework, live sessions, or career questions. Call 1 877 SMWW NOW in the United States and Canada, +44 0 871 288 4799 in the United Kingdom, or +1 503 445 7105 from anywhere else. Our offices are in Portland, Oregon, and London, England.

 Do you have more questions?

Call the office and ask! 1-877-SMWW-Now in the US or Canada. In London at +44(0) 871 288 4799 Everywhere else at +1-503-445-7105