McMahon elected onto WRA Board

By Mark Stevens
19/1/23

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.

Exeter Chiefs and Ireland international, Edel McMahon, is among the players who have been elected to the new Players’ Board Members.

McMahon has been joined by Beth Stafford (Bristol Bears), Trudy Cowan (DMP Sharks), Ciara Cooney (Gloucester-Hartpury), Bryony Cleall (Harlequins), Rachel Malcolm (Loughborough Lightning), Georgie Perris-Redding (Sale Sharks), Mica Evans (Saracens), Ellie Lennon (Wasps) and Jo Brown (Worcester Warriors).

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.”

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.”

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.”