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As the Rugby Services Coordinator at the French Rugby Federation, Robin Franchistéguy shares his experience within the sports industry and what his role entails. He also discusses the key skills his position requires and how to overcome potential challenges.
I joined the FFR in February 2022, for a period of 6 months to complete my end-of-studies internship. During this period, I was a Tournament Services Assistant and worked mainly on the France Sevens. This internship was an opportunity for me to deepen my knowledge of Team Services and really motivated me to continue in the world of rugby, a sport that I love very much.
Once the tournament was over, I was also involved in other missions, such as the preparation of the France - Italy women's match in Nice. Discovering the entire competition part really interested me and I quickly knew that this was what interested me the most. At the end of my internship, I seized the opportunity to continue the adventure on a permanent contract within the FFR's events department, in the position of Rugby Services Coordination Officer. The missions corresponded perfectly to what I was looking for, within a pleasant and close-knit team, I did not hesitate to apply. This is how I joined the FFR again in October 2022.
"This training allowed me to acquire a solid foundation in management and administration, applied to sport throughout my studies. This training also has the advantage of giving an important place to internships and different projects on concrete events."
I completed the Master in Sports Management at Toulouse School of Management. This training allowed me to acquire a solid foundation in management, applied to sport throughout my studies. This training also has the advantage of giving a significant place to internships and different projects on concrete events. I was thus able to quickly gain experience and familiarise myself with the different players in sport, even before entering the job market. As a result, I was more quickly operational and ready to launch myself professionally than if I had not had these opportunities.
My role as Rugby Services Coordinator has several facets. To summarise, you could say that I look after foreign teams when they come to play against the French XV (men's, women's and U20) on French soil. During autumn or summer tours (unlike the Six Nations tournament), I have to manage accommodation, transport, training site requirements, but also the various requests that an international rugby team may have. In addition to this, I identify the needs at the stadium for the day before and the day of the match. I then liaise with my colleagues from the various FFR departments to ensure that the teams have everything they need to be able to perform at the highest level. I am therefore in constant contact with the Team Managers of the foreign and French teams.
During the matches, I regularly act as Match Administrator to coordinate all the stakeholders involved in the competition: teams, referees, match officials, medical, anti-doping and volunteers – and to ensure that all the timetables set by the organisation are respected.
I am also responsible for taking care of Tournament Services during the French leg of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, the France Sevens. Although less publicised than the XV matches, this tournament, which is no less exciting, represents a "big chunk" in terms of organisation, with the simultaneous hosting of no fewer than 28 teams for around ten days. This very intense event, which requires significant preparation, is very special, since it allows you to develop in greater proximity with the teams.
"Although less publicised than the XV matches, this tournament, which is no less exciting, represents a "big chunk" in terms of organisation, with the simultaneous reception of no less than 28 teams over ten days."
To date, I have no specific mission on the World Cup, which is organized by France 2023 (a different entity from the FFR). I regularly collaborate with the Match Administrators (or Match Managers) of France 2023, during the matches that we organize. This allows them in particular to familiarize themselves with the coordination of the competition part of an international rugby match, which may differ from the matches they are used to officiating.
However, I will participate in the 3 preparation matches of the French men's XV which will take place in August, which will allow me to work alongside the team until the final adjustments before the World Cup.
"The overall process is the same for every meeting, but obviously you have to be very adaptable to meet all the demands and needs, which vary greatly from team to team."
On paper, my missions are identical for each match, whether it is the French women's, men's or U20 XV. However, many elements vary: the stadiums, the crowds, the sporting stakes, the media stakes, the number of stakeholders or the operations put in place.
Even if all these stakes are much more important for the French men's XV matches, my objective remains the same for each match, whatever the teams: the rugby match that we organize must be able to take place in the best conditions.
The overall process is identical for each match, but we obviously have to be very adaptable to respond to all the requests and needs, which vary greatly depending on the teams.
Whatever sport you want to pursue a career in, the most important thing is to gain experience, whether it's paid employment, an internship or volunteering. The importance of networking is often highlighted in this environment, rightly so given the importance of people, because we are constantly in contact. It is entirely possible to succeed in creating your own network. Volunteering is a very good way to quickly increase your contacts and knowledge. During these experiences, the most important thing is to show your motivation, your interest in the field and the ability to trust us. Applied to rugby, you can get involved in a club, an association, the organization of a rugby 7s tournament or finals, a league, a regional committee, etc.
"It is entirely possible to succeed in creating your own network. Volunteering is a very good way to quickly increase your contacts and knowledge."
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