The Rugby Union Players’ Association (RUPA) today announced the appointment of Sydney Airport’s General Manager of Corporate Affairs, Sally Fielke, to their Board.
A former lawyer and member association CEO, Ms Fielke brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to RUPA, having sat on a number of key boards across tourism, education, sport and health. She currently sits on the council of the NSW Business Chamber as well as the board of the Botany Bay Business Enterprise Council.
Ms Fielke is the final of three Co-opted Directors to be elected to the RUPA Board as per the Constitution amendments announced earlier this year, with current Women’s Sevens Vice-Captain, Shannon Parry and former RUPA President and Queensland Reds player, Adam Wallace-Harrison continuing on the Board in their incumbent roles.
RUPA Chairman, Bruce Hodgkinson SC, said the appointment was important in order to complement the extensive rugby experience on the RUPA Board with specialist business acumen.
“In recent years through effective governance and intelligent management, RUPA has become a responsible and innovative thought leader in Australian Rugby. The purpose of introducing additional Co-Opted Directors to RUPA’s Board earlier this year intended to balance professional playing perspectives with respected business expertise.
“With a strong legal background and significant commercial experience in corporate governance, communications, media, stakeholder, brand and issues management, Sally will be able to provide valuable direction and perspective for RUPA’s efforts in continuing to support Australia’s professional rugby players.
“Sally’s business credentials are paired with her genuine interest in the game, having previously held Board and Committee member roles at the Northern Territory Rugby Union. We are delighted to welcome her to the RUPA Board as we celebrate 20 years of professionalism in Australian Rugby,” Mr Hodgkinson said.
In response to her appointment, Ms Fielke said she was honoured to become a part of RUPA’s leadership.
“I’m really delighted that the Board have supported my nomination and look forward to contributing to the evolution of RUPA’s influence and contribution to rugby in Australia.
“In my current role and my immediate past role (as CEO of the Australian Hotels Association) a key focus has been to promote members’ interests and balance a broad range of stakeholder views and I hope that I can bring this expertise and my corporate experience to the RUPA Board.
“It’s obviously a massive year for rugby and a great time to become involved with RUPA. I’m really impressed with the commitment I’ve seen so far from the players in advancing their organisation and in the vision for the players and the game that Bruce and Ross have articulated to date.” Ms Fielke said.
RUPA’s constitutional amendments, which were unanimously agreed at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in April this year, saw RUPA’s Board expand from 11 to 13 Directors. Two rugby sevens Player Directors (one male and one female) were added, whilst the Co-opted Directors were increased to three (previously one, with two elected Independent Directors). Other members of RUPA’s Board are the Chairman, President, CEO, and five Player Directors (one from each of the Australian Super Rugby teams).
The men’s and women’s Sevens Player Directors will be appointed later in the year.
Current RUPA Board:
Chairman: Bruce Hodgkinson SC
President: Benn Robinson (Waratahs)
Chief Executive Officer: Ross Xenos
Player Director: Stephen Moore (Brumbies)
Player Director: Matt Hodgson (Force)
Player Director: Nic Stirzaker (Rebels)
Player Director: James Horwill (Reds)
Player Director: Bernard Foley (Waratahs)
Co-Opted Director: Shannon Parry (Women’s Sevens)
Co-Opted Director: Adam Wallace-Harrison
Co-Opted Director: Sally Fielke
Men’s Sevens Director: To be filled
Women’s Sevens Director: To be filled
