The New Zealand Rugby Union Federation appointed former New Zealand Governor General Patsy Reddy as president on Wednesday, becoming the first woman to hold the post in its 130-year history.
"
It's an absolute honor to be elected as president at such a crucial and exciting time for rugby (in New Zealand)
," the 68-year-old Reddy said.
Recognized for her long career as a lawyer
Patsy Reddy was named at a meeting in Auckland, New Zealand Rugby, founded in 1892, said in a statement.
She will take over from outgoing chairman Stewart Mitchell, who will step down at the end of January.
Recognized for her long career as a lawyer in tax law, Patsy Reddy was appointed to the board of directors of New Zealand Rugby last April, after having been from 2016 to 2021 governor general of the country, honorary representative of the sovereign Elisabeth II.
Women's rugby is on the rise in New Zealand, especially after the Black Ferns' victory over England (34-31) in the World Cup final last month, the New Zealanders' sixth world title , in the mythical Eden Park of Auckland, arch-filled.
