Lauren Wolman and Sandy Donald named to Rugby Canada Board of Directors
Rugby Canada is pleased to announce the election of Lauren Wolman and Sandy Donald to its board of directors at the Annual General Meeting held this past weekend. Wolman and Donald begin their three-year terms effective immediately.
May 18, 2022 (Langford, BC) – Rugby Canada is pleased to announce the election of Lauren Wolman and Sandy Donald to its board of directors at the Annual General Meeting held this past weekend. Wolman and Donald begin their three-year terms effective immediately.
“We are delighted to welcome Lauren and Sandy to the Board,” said Chair of the Board, Sally Dennis. “Both will bring vast experience, specific skills and perspectives to the table as we head into a period of change and renewal.”
Currently Social Innovation Research Manager at Centennial College and Director of Up & Under Consulting, Wolman’s sports leadership spans over 25 years. She holds a Ph.D. and Masters in Kinesiology and Health Science from York University in the field of sport development and inclusive practices. Wolman has also been instrumental in developing women and girl’s rugby programs both in Canada and the UK.
As a member of Rugby Canada’s Governance Committee, Wolman was critical in recommending to the Board the formation of the Ethics and Integrity Committee, which provides a multi-faceted ethical lens to assist Rugby Canada with the development of national policies and practices to help foster an environment of accountability, inclusion and safe spaces.
“I am so honoured to join Rugby Canada as Board Member and excited to contribute to a game that has given me so much throughout my life,” Wolman said. “Sport in Canada is at a real turning point, which I believe provides lots of opportunities for growth and innovation. It is also important to see women in sports leadership positions such as on Boards to inspire the next generation. You got to see it to be it.”
Donald has over 45 years of experience in rugby as a player, coach, official and administrator, culminating in six years as President of Rugby Manitoba. Originally from Symington, Scotland, Donald is a great advocate for grassroots and development rugby and has a deep understanding of the game across Canada.
Donald is currently a World Rugby Match Commissioner and can be seen pitch side at the HSBC Canada Sevens tournaments in Vancouver and Langford, as well as the occasional international match. His background in farming, finance and business management ensures he offers a wide range of experience.
“It is a real honour to be nominated for and voted onto the Board of Rugby Canada,” said Donald. “Having been involved with the operational side of the organization for a number of years in different capacities, I have been aware of all the good work that the Board has been doing. This is an exciting time to join Rugby Canada and I look forward to working with the rest of the Board to deliver Canada's successes into the future.”
Wolman and Donald join Sally Dennis, Maria Samson, Steve Swaffield, Phil Otto, David Fortier, Kathleen McGinn, Karen Paquin and Jeff Hassler on the board.
About Rugby Canada
Rugby Canada is the national governing body of the sport of Rugby Union in Canada. They administer and operate Men’s and Women’s Senior and Junior National programs in both rugby 15s and 7s, as well as govern the Club and community game for more than 30,000 registered participants from coast to coast in conjunction with ten Provincial Union members.
Rugby Canada is headquartered at the Al Charron National Training Centre in Langford, BC, residing on the unceded territories of the Coast Salish and Lekwungen/Songhees peoples, with staff also working from Vancouver, Toronto and Ottawa. Rugby Canada business operations, programs and events are delivered nationwide, including the internationally recognized HSBC Canada Sevens annual tournaments.