Guinness Premiership Referee David Rose will join the Rugby Football Union for Women as Head of Development in September.

Rose, who was born in Birmingham and now lives in Plymouth, will join the RFUW from the RFU where he has been working as a Midlands Referee Development Manager. Previously, he has also worked for the International Rugby Board (IRB) as a Regional Development Manager, the National Coaching Foundation as a Coaching Development Officer and as a Youth Development Officer for the North Midlands Rugby Union.

Rose, in this brand new position, is tasked with ensuring women’s and girls’ rugby becomes a fully integrated part of rugby in England. He will work closely with the RFU, Sport England and other delivery agencies to ensure that there are as many opportunities as possible open to women and girls to play rugby.

Rose said: “This is a fresh new challenge for me. These are exciting times for women’s rugby as it continues to grow and the national teams strive for more success.

“I believe that much of what I have experienced so far professionally will be of invaluable experience to this new position, but I also understand that there are several new challenges ahead. I am very much looking forward to getting stuck in, in September.”

Rosie Williams, Managing Director of the RFUW, added: “We are really excited that David is joining us. He is very well known and highly respected in the game and will bring experience and knowledge to the RFUW.

“The RFUW is continuing to grow and women’s and girls’ rugby is becoming an important part of the game across the country. That is why this is such an important appointment.”

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