01 FEBRUARY 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

        Rugby Canada announces the appointment of Kathleen McGinn to its Board of Directors

February 1, 2022 (Vancouver, BC) Rugby Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Kathleen McGinn to the Board of Directors effective immediately. McGinn has stepped down as Chair of Rugby Ontario effective February 1st, 2022 to begin her next chapter of contribution to the Canadian rugby landscape. 

In addition to her role as the first female Chair of Rugby Ontario, McGinn has been a key contributor to Rugby Ontario since 2017, previously as a director within the organization and as Chair since 2019.

“On behalf of the Board and staff, it is my distinct privilege to thank Kathleen for her significant contribution, commitment and dedication as Chair of Rugby Ontario,” stated Myles Spencer CEO Rugby Ontario. “Kathleen’s presence and tireless leadership as Chair since 2019 has been integral during this unprecedented time, and speaks to her devotion to protecting rugby’s future in Ontario.  We are grateful to Kathleen for her willingness to share her breadth of experience and extensive governance acumen these past five years, and wish her all the very best as she joins the Rugby Canada Board of Directors.”  

McGinn’s dedication to the game has led to numerous projects and successes that will leave a legacy for the sport in Ontario. McGinn led Rugby Ontario through a leadership transition in 2019, including the hiring of current CEO, Myles Spencer. She demonstrated a commitment to the organization that far exceeds expectations of a volunteer leader as the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered rugby activities. She has been a champion of gender equity on the board of directors, and steered Rugby Ontario’s latest strategic planning process, which will culminate in the launch of a new strategic plan in the near future. 

In addition to her work with Rugby Ontario, McGinn played an active role as a Provincial Union leader in Rugby Canada’s strategic planning process, governance reform, safe sport policy development and Women in Rugby Leadership Mentorship Program. McGinn offers a wealth of experience in governance and ethics, as well as a deep understanding of the game and its wide reach within Canada. 

“Kathleen will bring an experienced, strong and highly respected voice to the board as we navigate the leadership transition and other challenges and opportunities ahead,” stated Rugby Canada Board Chair Sally Dennis. “We welcome her with enthusiasm and also look forward to working with Brian Crothers in his new role as chair of Rugby Ontario.”