Events & Partnerships Intern                                     

Do you want to gain invaluable work experience in the world of amateur sport?

Have you ever wanted to help grow the game of rugby in Ontario?

Rugby Ontario is actively searching for a dynamic and motivated individual who is passionate about the field of sport management, wants to apply their knowledge and experience, and support a vision of Rugby for All.

Reporting to the Events & Partnerships Coordinator, the Events & Partnerships Intern is a member of the Rugby Operations department. The position will focus on delivering key parts of Rugby Ontario’s Strategic Plan. The Events & Partnerships Intern will assist Rugby Ontario in achieving the strategic objectives to Support the Club Community and Advance Our Rugby Culture by assisting in the planning and execution of Rugby Ontario’s keystone events throughout the province. This position provides a critical and fundamental service to support Rugby Ontario’s community of Clubs.

Position Details:

• Unpaid Internship
• 240-560 Hours to be completed over the course of the internship
• • NOTE: please indicate hours of availability in application.
• Hybrid work environment – remote four (4) days a week, in office minimum of one (1) day a week in the Rugby Ontario office if possible. (Office Address: Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre – 875 Morningside Ave, Toronto, ON)
• Some additional days, such as event days will require being onsite.
• Anticipated start date: August 31st, 2026

What you’ll be doing

Under the leadership of the Events & Partnerships Coordinator, the Events & Partnerships Intern at Rugby Ontario will have the exciting opportunity to actively contribute to the planning, coordination, and execution of various rugby events throughout the province and assist in the development of sponsorships, partnership activations and initiatives. This internship will provide hands-on experience in event management, partnership development, logistics, and administration, with a focus on executing major events in 2026 and preparing for the 2027 event season.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• 2026 Major Events:
• • Play a key role in organizing and coordinating the 2026 McCormick Cup Day, Junior 7s Provincial Championship, Hall of Fame & Awards Gala, and Development Conference.
  • Contribute to the logistical planning, including run sheets, site maps, venue setup, awards presentations, check-in/sign up logistics etc.  
  • Assist in marketing and promotional activities to enhance event visibility and attendance.

• 2027 Event Preparation:
• • Play a key role in planning and coordinating the event bidding process for 2027 Junior Cups, OWL Cup, McCormick Cup and other competition events.
  • Support the planning and preparations for the 2027 Rugby in the Square event, a flagship rugby initiative.
  • Collaborate with the marketing team to enhance promotional activities and community engagement.

• Partnership Stewardship and Activation
• • Build and maintain partner relationships, identifying mutually beneficial activations and collaborations for 2026 and beyond.
  • Assist in securing major event sponsorships.
  • Research, present, and pursue potential sponsorship activations for events.

Desired Experience & Qualifications:

• Must be legally eligible to work in Canada.
• Current, clear criminal record check for the vulnerable sector required.
• Valid Driver’s License and the ability / willingness to travel.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills
• Self-directed and results oriented with the ability to time-manage and problem solve effectively. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work both collaboratively and independently.
• Knowledge in sponsorship, fundraising, and events.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, SharePoint) and familiar with event management software. 
• Ability to work within a flexible schedule and in a remote work environment setting.
• Demonstrated strong values and ethics, in accordance with Rugby Ontario’s organizational values (and other Rugby Ontario policies), through personal and professional behaviours.
• Post-secondary level of education in a related field of study is an asset.
• Prior experience working or volunteering in a sport organization is an asset.
• Knowledge of Rugby Ontario and the Ontario rugby community is an asset.

About Rugby Ontario

We are the Provincial Sport Organization (PSO) for rugby in Ontario. The story of rugby in Ontario is one of evolution. We are not the same organization we were a decade ago. We are not even the same organization we were two years ago. To help shape this constant evolution, we set out to reflect upon, and better understand, the challenges and needs of our membership. Our mission is to lead, support, and promote Rugby for All from our communities to clubs to province. Working with our member clubs and branches we are looking to make rugby one of the most appealing, accessible and inclusive sporting activities available today.

Check us out:

Website: https://www.rugbyontario.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rugby-ontario/

Our Values

It is important to us that you know what the team values; you will learn more about our values throughout the interview process.

For the Love of the Game: 

We are passionate, dedicated and committed to our mission, which is what binds us tightly together with a common purpose and pride in our accomplishments.

Game Regs:                             

We build trust and earn respect by holding ourselves and others accountable and bringing honesty and integrity to everything we do. Fair play is the essential fabric of the game and what we believe in.

Other Duties as Required:        

We are an open and inclusive team that values everyone’s contributions, comradery and cohesion. It’s about going above and beyond and doing the little things to achieve our collective goals.

Lead from the Front:               

We move forward together to achieve success, just like in the game itself. Through a professional, transparent, and collaborative approach, we lead the way in creating a safe, welcoming and supportive sport culture.

To Apply & Our Process

Collage link. Deadline to apply is 11:59 pm ET on August 9th, 2026.

If you are chosen to move forward, our interview process follows this sequence:

1. Virtual 30-minute interview with two members of our team.
2. A decision is communicated, and an offer is extended.
3. Reference and background checks (if necessary)

Rugby Ontario is an equal-opportunity employer, and we welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Please inform us within your application if you require any accommodations and every effort will be made to meet your needs.