Sports Recruitment International

After 10 years with the Rugby Football Union, the national governing body for rugby in England, Paul Vaughan brings a weath of experience to the post of CEO with England Rugby 2015, the body responsible for the planning and preparation of the 2015 Rugby World cup in England.
 

Name:  Paul Vaughan
Company:  England Rugby 2015
Position:  CEO
University/ degree: Oxford Brookes, Hotel and Catering Administration
Current home town:  Amersham
 

CAREER

Q. Who/what inspired you to make the move into rugby?

A. Played since the age of 8 (stopped at 30) and never left it. The move to Rugby Administration was a natural step following stints as a Sponsor and working on the Agency side of sport. Being offered the chance to run the Rugby World Cup in 2015 was a no brainer.

Q. What has been the highlight of your career so far?

A. Always enjoying what I do, but my current role has to be the highlight so far.

Q. What does your typical day at work involve?

A. Planning and putting together the best team possible to deliver the Rugby World Cup in 4 years time. We are currently 2 people and have another 5 already committed to join.

Q. What are the most challenging aspects of your job?

A. We are the custodians of the Rugby World Cup for a defined period of time so keeping other peoples enthusiasm channeled in the right direction can be challenging.

Q. What are the most enjoyable aspects of your job?

A. The people that are involved in rugby, from the mates I played with to people that I have met over the years at all levels of the game around the world.

Q. What tips would you give to students wanting to break into the sports industry?

A. Make sure that you have relevant stand out skills to offer by honing your knowledge in a field that is relevant. It could be finance, HR, media, law or something else and have empathy for sport.

Q. What are the most common mistakes you’ve seen candidates making?

A. Being just a fan won’t cut the mustard. You are not there to watch!

Q. How has elite sport changed since you first entered the industry?

A. Many things have changed since the early eighties and are either opportunities or influencers in the Elite end of sport. To list a few; TV coverage (number of channels, Sky Sports is 20 years old, Setanta, ESPN, 3D, International coverage) the internet, Social networks, Sport Science, Facilities, money, The start of the Rugby World Cup, the birth of the FAPL, the start of Professional rugby, Rugby League moving to a summer sport, 20/20 cricket, the IPL and much much more. Lastly there are now many more career opportunities than ever before. 

 
SPORT/ LIFE

Q. Favourite sports to participate in:

A. Golf

Q. Favourite sports to watch:

A. Rugby, Golf, Cricket, Football, NFL, Ice Hockey.........

Q. What in your opinion has been the sporting highlight of the past 12 months?

A. The 2011 Rugby World Cup for educational reasons

Q. What will be the sporting highlight of the next 12 months?

A. The London Olympics

Q. Non-sport hobbies:

A. Food and wine (and beer)

Q. Where did you go for your last holiday?

A. Italy

Q. What piece of technology would you be lost without?

A. My iPhone

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