Historic motion for Canadian Rugby
Today, at the Fiscal 2017 Rugby Canada Annual General Meeting in Toronto, a historic motion for Canadian Rugby was unanimously passed.
Recognizing the importance of leadership reflecting its members and global trends, Rugby Canada's Board of Directors and Provincial Unions supported a motion today ensuring that its governance will be comprised by no less than 40% of both genders.
"Today is a historic day for Canadian Rugby and I am thrilled to have the unanimous support of our Board, Provinces and Stakeholders," said Kathy Henderson, Rugby Canada Vice Chairperson.
With more than 2.2 million women and girls playing the game worldwide, accounting for over a quarter of all players globally, women's rugby is experiencing unprecedented growth in both sevens and fifteens.
"I've been working with World Rugby on their Women's Committee and they have recognized Canada as a leader in gender equality. Our BOD and Provinces have worked tirelessly to grow the number of strong female voices in Rugby Canada's leadership over the last five years, and today we've made it official moving forward," she added.
Today's announcement follows suit of World Rugby's historic announcement last fall to include a minimum of 17 female members on its BOD and a strategic plan to grow female participation.
"We congratulate Rugby Canada on this historic governance reform, which aligns with World Rugby's global commitment to advancing gender parity on and off the field of play.
"These are exciting times for the advancement of women in rugby and it is great to see Rugby Canada and its provincial unions leading the way." - Katie Sadlier, World Rugby GM of Women's Rugby.
"Whether in rugby or in other environments diverse boards make for better governance, " said Tim Powers Chair of the Rugby Canada Board of Directors. "Our Canadian women have long been leading on the field we need more of that leadership in our boardroom and throughout Canadian rugby."
-30-