Penny Stewart – from “Rugby Mum” to World Rugby Representative for England
Penny first got involved with rugby some 25 years ago or more as a ‘rugby mum/ widow.” As she freely admits, she really had to, with her husband, Iain, and son, Will, all playing the sport! However, as a parent taking her kids to Mini Rugby on a Sunday morning in all weathers, she never imagined that her rugby journey would end up as an England World Rugby Representative.
Penny’s rise has been nothing less than spectacular, with her fundraising and organisational talents first coming to the fore at her home club of Alnwick. On the strength of her burgeoning reputation in a supposedly male-dominated world, she was soon asked to take over the role of Northumberland RFU’s Director of Communications, Marketing and Sponsorship- the first woman to be a Northumberland RFU Board member.
Three years later, Penny was asked by the County’s clubs to become the first female Northumberland RFU Council member, a role she has thrived in, albeit through some challenging times and one of a triumvirate of women holding the three highest offices in the County (the other two being Chair and President).
Her outstanding work there has now been further recognised and Penny has been appointed as one of three World Rugby representatives for England, whose votes will carry significant weight in shaping the future of the game we all know and love.
As Penny says, “It definitely shows that rugby is now a game for all, both on and off the field. It’s with great pride that I see our women’s and girls’ game growing and more females taking up leadership roles, working alongside their male counterparts.”
Well done Penny – all at Northumberland RFU are hugely proud of you!
