World Rugby Increase Female Representation on Boards

January 15, 2020 

Starting next year, World Rugby will expand its council board to ensure that one-third of the overall members are women to increase “the promotion of women leaders in the sport” and further gender equality at all levels of the organisation. 

Female representation on the influential global council for the sport's governing body has increased in recent years, but it is set to rise across all the body’s committees after huge backing. The Council will grow from 32 to 49 with all new positions going to women.

Chairman Bill Beaumont stated: "This is a major milestone in the progression and growth of World Rugby and the global game. The reform is historic, reflective of our ambitions and long overdue. If we are to promote and nurture the growth of women in rugby then change must be led from the top.” 

Greater player representation on committees is also recommended “to ensure player-centric decision-making” and there will be “a continued focus on diversity, skill set, independence, capability and geographical representation when forming committees.”  

The Council also ratified the 2017-25 Women’s Plan, an initiative to promote equal opportunities for women in all areas of the organisation. Both the Women’s Plan and the governance reform proposal were developed under the guidance of the Women’s Advisory Committee, which itself was established following World Rugby’s previous reform of its governance structures in 2015. 

The declaration is part of World Rugby's wider strategy to accelerate women in rugby on and off the field of play. According to its research, the women's game is experiencing unprecedented growth with participation levels at an all-time high. Latest figures show more than 2.4 million women and girls are playing rugby at all levels, accounting for more than a quarter (26%) of players globally, representing a 60% increase since 2013. 

World Rugby General Manager of Women’s Rugby Katie Sadleir said: “By ensuring women have a voice on our highest decision-making body, we will benefit from more balanced decision-making, setting standards not only for our sport but also helping to drive the agenda in sport governance globally. Supported by our ambitious 2017-25 Women’s Plan, we are set to fast-track the development of women in rugby on and off the field of play, and inspire future generations of young people around the world.” 

Making history, Ada Milby, Secretary General of the Philippine Rugby Football Union, has become the first woman appointed to Council under the reform, having been elected by Asia Rugby. 

“I applaud World Rugby for its continued commitment to live its mantra as a sport for all. I am honored and humbled to be the first woman council member to be elected to the World Rugby Council. Not only does this reflect the drive for women's leadership to be accepted at all levels of the game, but it is a strong statement and call to action for other sporting codes to show that when you are fully committed to gender inclusion, the solutions may manifest in ways not previously considered,” she said.