World Rugby: Governing body announces reforms to add more women on council

Beaumont added: “If we are to promote and nurture the growth of women in rugby then change must be led from the top.

“It is clearly a fantastic start and opens the door to even greater female representation in council and across rugby in the future.”

Ada Milby, secretary general of the Philippine Rugby Football Union, became the first woman to be appointed under the reforms, having been elected by Asia Rugby at the weekend., external

She said: “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.”