Australian Rugby Union Appoints First Female Board Member

Ann Sherry has become Australian Rugby Union’s (ARU) first female board member. 

Sherry, the chief executive officer of cruise ship operator Carnival Australia, replaces Rick Lee on the Sydney-based governing body’s board, the ARU said today in a statement.

Her appointment will help grow the sport beyond its traditional areas of support as rugby’s seven-a-side version prepares for its Olympic inclusion at the 2016 games, ARU Chairman Michael Hawker said.

“I am confident that Ann’s appointment, together with the Olympic opportunities and ARU’s focus on rugby sevens, will encourage more female participation in the sports of rugby union and rugby sevens,” Hawker said in the statement