If you are a young graduate in South Africa who is passionate about sports and looking for a chance to gain valuable work experience, then the South African Rugby Union Graduate Internships are a golden opportunity for you.
The South African Rugby Union (SARU), which is also known as SA Rugby, is offering a 12-month graduate internship programme at its offices in Plattekloof, Cape Town. This programme is designed to give unemployed graduates, aged up to 35 years, the chance to gain practical experience, mentorship, and exposure to a professional work environment.
Requirements
To be considered for the programme, applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be unemployed at the time of applying.
- Be 35 years old or younger.
- Hold a relevant qualification (Diploma or Degree depending on the internship).
- Be willing to commit to a 12-month fixed-term contract in Cape Town.
Important Note: SA Rugby will not cover relocation costs. If you live outside Cape Town, you will need to make your own arrangements.
List of Available South African Rugby Union Graduate Internships 2025
There are five graduate internship opportunities available, spread across different departments within SA Rugby. Below is the breakdown of each position:
1. Graduate Intern – Communication and Commercial Department
Location: Plattekloof, Cape Town
Duration: 12 months
Number of interns: 2
Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist the marketing team with brand and property campaigns.
- Support the brand manager in promoting SA Rugby.
- Help with event and sports presentation delivery.
- Identify PR opportunities for SA Rugby properties.
- Assist with relationship management for stakeholders.
- General administration and office support.
Commercial Support
- Help coordinate sponsor activations and matchday experiences.
- Ensure contractual obligations are met (signage, digital exposure, VIP access).
- Maintain and update sponsor partner portals.
- Support commercial rights delivery.
- Attend commercial events for learning and exposure.
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Sports Marketing, or an equivalent qualification.
Key Skills
- Initiative and willingness to learn.
- Strong communication skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, Outlook).
- Passion for sports and marketing.
2. Graduate Intern – Medical Department
Location: Plattekloof, Cape Town
Duration: 12 months
Number of interns: 1
Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist with general administration (document preparation, appointment coordination).
- Handle communication for BokSmart enquiries.
- Maintain digital and hard-copy medical statistics.
- Process payments for doctors, suppliers, and physiotherapists.
- Assist with safeguarding data management and record keeping.
- Help with BokSmart social media activities and certification enquiries.
- Support medical stock-taking, logistics, and storeroom management.
Educational Requirements
- 3-year National Diploma in Business or Office Administration, or an equivalent qualification.
Key Skills
- Confidentiality and attention to detail.
- Good organisational and planning skills.
- Communication skills.
- Computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, Outlook).
3. Graduate Intern – Operations and Finance Department
Location: Plattekloof, Cape Town
Duration: 12 months
Number of interns: 1
Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist in accounts payable (processing invoices, requisition orders).
- Support general ledger work (journals, reconciliations).
- Work on accounts receivable (customer onboarding, raising invoices).
- Provide general finance administration support.
Educational Requirements
- 3-year National Diploma in Finance or an equivalent qualification.
Key Skills
- Problem-solving abilities.
- Initiative and willingness to learn.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Good organisational skills.
- Computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, Outlook).
4. Graduate Intern – Participation and Development Department
Location: Plattekloof, Cape Town
Duration: 12 months
Number of interns: 1
Duties and Responsibilities
- Support data management across rugby development programmes.
- Assist in maintaining SA Rugby’s central database.
- Capture, analyse, and interpret programme-related data.
- Help prepare strategic reports and policy documents.
- Contribute to the development of dashboards and data summaries.
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree or 3-year Diploma in Data Management, Data Science, Research, or an equivalent qualification.
Key Skills
- Data management and analytical thinking.
- Intermediate-level computer literacy (Excel, PowerPoint).
- Problem-solving abilities.
- Planning and organisational skills.
Stipend and Benefits
All successful candidates will receive:
- A monthly stipend of R7,500.00 for the 12-month contract.
- Mentorship and coaching from experienced professionals.
- Exposure to real workplace practices.
- Networking opportunities within South African sports.
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How to Apply
If you meet the requirements and are interested in applying, follow these steps:
- Download and complete the Job Application Form.
- Prepare the following documents:
- Your updated CV.
- Copies of your qualifications.
- Email your application to: careers@sarugby.co.za
- Deadline for applications: 05 September 2025
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear back within a month after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.
Also check: National Skills Fund Internships 2025 / 2026
The South African Rugby Union Graduate Internships are a life-changing opportunity for young graduates who want to build their careers while contributing to one of the most successful rugby unions in the world. Whether your passion lies in marketing, finance, data, medicine, or community development, this programme gives you the stepping stone you need.
If you are unemployed, under 35, and have the right qualification, don’t miss this chance. Apply before 05 September 2025 and kickstart your career with SA Rugby.