Women's Rugby Association announces inaugural Players' Board

The Women’s Rugby Association (WRA), an independent players’ union which was launched in 2021 with World Cup Winner Nolli Waterman as CEO, has today announced its inaugural Players’ Board, made up of one representative from each of the 10 current Premier 15s clubs.

The newly elected Players’ Board Members are: Beth Stafford, Bristol Bears Women; Trudy Cowan, DMP Sharks; Edel McMahon, Exeter Chiefs Women; Ciara Cooney, Gloucester-Hartpury Women’s RFC; Bryony Cleall, Harlequins Women; Rachel Malcolm, Loughborough Lightning; Georgie Perris-Redding, Sale Sharks Women; Miça Evans, Saracens Women; Ellie Lennon, Wasps Women; and Jo Brown, University of Worcester Warriors Women.

The Players’ Board has been elected by members who play for the relevant club. There is also an Executive Committee consisting of a Chair and Vice Chair, who will be elected from the Players’ Board, the Chief Executive (also the General Secretary) and a number of (non-executive) Directors.

Nolli Waterman, Co-Founder and CEO, WRA, said: “When setting up the WRA we had two clear goals. To provide confidential and independent support and to provide a collective voice for all players across the league. This is a huge milestone for not only the WRA but also women’s domestic rugby across the globe. We have a superb group of players that have been voted in, and I’m sure they will thrive in their roles.”

Proud to be a part of the @womensra first player board representing @Glos_PuryWRFC Excited to work with fellow reps and give women’s rugby players in the @Premier15s a voice https://t.co/7cPCdwsjcO

— Ciara Cooney ?? (@CooneyCiara) January 18, 2023

Carol Isherwood, Advisory Board Member, WRA, said: “As we go through a rapid transition towards professionalisation of the women’s game it is important to work together to ensure all players are central to what we do, and we find ways to hear their voice.”

Miça Evans, Players’ Board Member for Saracens Women, said: “I’m very excited about the new Players’ Board. I think it’s vital for players in the Premier 15s to have a collective voice. We now have more opportunity to be part of crucial changes and shape the Premier 15s so that it works for players as well as other key stakeholders, not just for current players but for future Premier 15s players.”

Conor O’Shea, Executive Director Performance RFU, said: “We’re pleased to see the progress the WRA has made supporting the Allianz Premier 15s players over the last 12 months, and we congratulate them on the process they have run to establish both the Advisory Board and now the Players’ Board. A player voice is integral as the league continues to develop.”