Ex-Irish international and legend, Nora Stapleton, has been announced as the new Sport Ireland Women in Sport Lead.
As part of the new position, Stapleton will be in charge of overseeing the drive for equal participation between males and females in sport. One of the key goals for Sport Ireland is to develop and promote women and girl’s involvement in sport.
The former Irish rugby international will leave her position as the IRFU Women's and Girls Rugby Development Manager, to take up her new position with Sport Ireland in two weeks’ time.
During her time with the IRFU, Stapleton was the driving force behind the IRFU’s ’Give It A Try’ campaign. This saw selected clubs across the country host weekly rugby sessions for girls aged between the ages of 10-14. The campaign has been a major success with over 1000 girls participating – 60% of which had never played rugby before.
The Donegal native is a former Irish out-half and represented Ireland at the 2010, 2014 and 2017 Women's Rugby World Cups.
She was a member of the Irish team which won the 2013 and 2015 Six Nations and was part of the team which defeated England and New Zealand for the first time in their history. Not to mention the talented athlete also started out in Gaelic Football where she won an All-Ireland intermediate football medal.
Stapleton spoke of her excitement over her new role.
"While sorry to be leaving Irish Rugby after 6 years and the many great people I've had the privilege of working with and for, I'm excited by the new opportunity and challenges that lie ahead.
"I look forward to working with Sport Ireland, the National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships to continue to build on the significant work that has already been undertaken in this area within the sport sector to date, recognising the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of women through their involvement in sport".
This is an exciting appointment as the quest for an increase in women’s participation in sport continues to grow. Stapleton has the experience and enthusiasm to lead change in Irish sport.
