As the Women’s game continues to evolve in the state, RugbyWA would like to introduce its new driving force in Female Pathway and Development Beth Whaanga.
Whaanga takes the reins from the departing Sian Freeman who developed the foundation for continual growth in the WA Women’s game and is now heading the committee for School Sports Western Australia (SSWA) striving to grow the game through WA schools.
Coming across from Queensland, Whaanga brings extensive rugby acumen and coaching experience to the role and has developed a passion for the female game in Western Australia and is driven to see it grow.
Adding to her extensive coaching and administrative experience, she was part of the AIS High-Performance Talent Program and the Sport AUS Women in Leadership Program in 2019 and has recently completed her World Rugby Level 3 accreditation.
Holding a dual MSc Forensic Mental Health and MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice, Whaanga holds a wealth of knowledge on and off the field and expressed her keen interest in growing the confidence of all female participants across the state.
"I look forward to meeting and working with the Western Australia rugby community,” Whaanga said.
“Female rugby is a major area of growth in Australia, and I look forward to promoting all aspects of the game”
“As a woman in rugby, I strive to advocate for our female participants, coaches and officials to give them the same opportunities I've been fortunate enough to be given.”
“This is an exciting time for the female game in Western Australia and I can't wait to see the growth and development across all aspect of the game in the future."
Noting her extensive rugby resume RugbyWA’s Director of Rugby Steve Anderson touched on her desire to get involve and understand the landscape of the female game in WA and is keen to see her meet and get involved with key members of that community
"Not withstanding Beth's academic and community awards, she is a passionate rugby person,” Anderson said.
“Her Rugby achievements are many, including roles at major tournaments in both the male and female games across all rugby forms.”
“That depth of experience is well-positioned to continue the rebuild of ladies rugby, driving participation and pathway programs."
Also extremely pleased with Whaanga’s new appointment RugbyWA board member and key driver of the female game in the state, Gillian Forde expressed her eagerness to see Whaanga hit the ground running, encouraging the wider rugby community to welcome her to the fold.
“We congratulate Beth on her appointment and look forward to working with her to confront the challenges ahead,” Forde said.
“We have a vibrant grassroots rugby community, and with Beth's leadership she will drive the female game to new heights.”
Now settled in WA and already working in her new role, Whaanga is keen to get out and meet the community.
For all enquiries about women’s rugby please contact her at beth.whaanga@rugbywa.com.au
