Beard leads exciting time for women's game

As New Zealand Rugby embarks on a year in celebration of Women and Girls in rugby, there is a new face at the helm of the women’s game. 

Former Triathlon New Zealand CEO Claire Beard joined New Zealand Rugby (NZR) last month as Head of Women’s Rugby and says it’s an exciting time to be part of the game. 

“I seem to have arrived at rugby in a nice window. New Zealand Rugby have made this commitment to 2022 being the year of women and girls, and all the right ingredients are here to accelerate change and opportunities for women and girls in rugby.” 

Beard’s involvement in sport spans more than a decade, having worked on Rugby World Cup 2011, holding several roles in regional sports trusts, major events and recreation before taking the helm at TNZ six years ago. 

Being supported and elevated to a leadership role has motivated Beard to create similar opportunities for other women.  

“As a young woman I was given an opportunity to move into a senior leadership role within an Olympic Sport. People helped remove barriers to allow me to have an exciting and evolving role in the sporting system, so the potential to now do that for others is exciting.” 

As a passionate sports supporter, Beard said she recognises the good rugby can do in the community. 

“Rugby is important to the fabric of New Zealanders and we can help shape the future direction of all sport in how we behave and what we do. 

“To have a broad influence in how women and girls are perceived in sport through our behaviour and the opportunities we create for women and girls is a journey I wanted to be a part of.” 

A month into the role, Beard said she has seen a keen desire for progress. 

“Everywhere I go I am seeing an enthusiasm for change, I’m incredibly appreciative of all the mahi other women have done to allow 2022 to be a real progression for the women’s game in New Zealand.” 

The impending partnership with Silver Lake is also something that Beard said has the potential to further supercharge the game. 

“We are seeing exponential growth in the women’s game so the opportunity to accelerate that further with additional investment is exciting. I am seeing plans from provincial unions around how they want to prioritise, support and promote the women’s game, so by being able to invest and support them to do that, we will see the game flourish.” 

Beard is clear when she looks at what success in the women’s game is. 

“First and foremost, it’s that women are empowered in our system. That they have a voice and a space, that they feel important and valued.  

“When we are making decisions about women and girls in our game, that women and girls are at the centre of that process. 

“We want women and girls right throughout New Zealand to see rugby as a safe, fulfilling and supportive environment for them to be fit, have fun and have a go.”