South Africa Rugby has appointed former Ireland captain Lynne Cantwell as its first ever women's rugby high performance manager.
"If we’re serious about women’s rugby – and we are – we had to make a serious appointment, and we have,” said SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux.
"Lynne comes on board at a time when we have committed to growing the game amongst women – a directive from World Rugby and a South African national imperative – and she will work closely with Rassie Erasmus (Director of Rugby), Charles Wessels (GM: Rugby) and Springbok Women’s head coach Stanley Raubenheimer to improve the women’s game in South Africa."
Cantwell won 86 caps for Ireland. She also holds a degree in Sports and Exercise Science, and a Masters in Physiotherapy.
"I am excited and naturally a bit nervous about the big move over to South Africa for me and my family, but I feel incredibly comforted by the warm welcome I have been given internally at SA Rugby, by the players and management, and the provincial CEOs," she said.
"I am intensely motivated to progress women’s rugby and women’s involvement in rugby, and the backing a leadership level from Jurie, Rassie and Charles was central to my decision to join the team."
Picture credit: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE
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