RugbyWA, the governing body of rugby union in Western Australia, is pleased to announce the appointment of new senior staffing personnel who will help realise the organisation’s goals and ambitions of its recently-released Strategic Plan 2024-2032.
The appointments align with the organisation’s purpose to inspire community connection, drive passionate involvement, and unite Western Australians on and off the field, and will ultimately help deliver its goals of one rugby alignment and to maximise the opportunities of the golden decade for rugby in Australia.
Evan Stewart, formerly Deputy CEO with Basketball WA, has been appointed as General Manager of Government Relations and Legacy, and brings significant government policy and engagement experience.
Garry Chandler joins the RugbyWA team as General Manager of Strategy and Culture, bringing his strategic experience and leadership skills from his time as CEO with Football West and Cycling WA and a significant organisational development, people and culture background via his roles as VP Human Resources for Foot Locker in Europe and most recently as General Manager People & Culture with Netball WA.
Dane Lazarus, a 10-year stalwart of RugbyWA, has been promoted to General Manager of Rugby, and will oversee performance, education and RugbyWA’s development team.
The three appointees join Jillian Scanlan, Company Secretary & Finance Manager, as part of the organisation’s executive leadership team, supporting the work of RugbyWA Chief Executive, Simon Taylor, and the RugbyWA Board.
Hailee Preen will also join the team as Communications Coordinator.
RugbyWA Chief Executive, Simon Taylor, said: “We’re delighted to welcome these new additions to the team and congratulate those who have been elevated in their roles. After launching our Strategic Plan, which provides a roadmap for the future, our new staffing structure will allow us to maximise the many opportunities present through the golden decade.
“In the New Year we will continue to advertise and appoint a number of other roles to ensure RugbyWA’s structure is aligned to meet our goals and ambitions between now and 2032.”
General Manager of Government Relations and Legacy, Evan Stewart, said: “Working closely with government will be crucial to us achieving our ambitious goals over the next decade together, a responsibility I am looking forward to taking on, while embodying RugbyWA’s core values of teamwork, excellence and respect. We have some exciting events coming to Western Australia and it is important we work together to create a legacy for our sport and Western Australia.”
General Manager of Strategy and Culture, Garry Chandler, said: “I am delighted to take a leading role in supporting the implementation of RugbyWA’s strategy and positively impacting our culture during such a pivotal time for the organisation.”
General Manager of Rugby, Dane Lazarus, said: “Having worked in and for Western Australian rugby over the last decade, I’m excited to use that experience to ensure we deliver our purpose and achieve our goals for the rugby community.”
