14 September 2019

Canada make history by appointing Rugby World Cup's first female manager

Rugby Canada's Alana Gattinger is set to become the first female manager at a World Cup.

The 30 year-old started as an intern with the side in 2012 and was part of the logistics team at the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England. 

On her first time travelling with the squad in 2015 she said: “Being there with the team lit a fire in me. I decided then and there that I loved touring with the team and working in this role and I set a goal for myself that someday I was going to be the team manager at a Rugby World Cup.”

Gattinger has not come from a traditional rugby background and RWC but was appointed team manager in 2017.

She said: “I’m lucky that I work in Canada and live in a country where opportunities like this exist for women in sport.

“It’s a testament to our union and our country. I am not treated any differently and that is exactly what I want. I hope this serves as an inspiration to young girls that anything is possible.”

Her goal has now been reached four years later as the men go to Japan for their eighth World Cup.

Team Services Director Enda Connolly said: “Alana epitomizes what a great team manager should be - professional, approachable and excellent at her job.

“We are delighted that she is blazing a leadership trail for women in ruby and look forward to working with her.”

The Rugby World Cup starts on September 20, while Canada open their campaign against Italy in Fukuoka.

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