Lailanie Burnes, the Director of Rugby at the Fiji Rugby Union, is in the United Kingdom to attend the Women in Rugby Leadership Programme organized by Capgemini. This leadership summit, hosted in London, attracts 25 female leaders from across the world to enhance the role and impact of women in rugby and boost the growth of women’s and girls’ rugby internationally.
Burnes, who has transitioned from a former Fijiana captain to a board member of the Fiji Rugby Union, is part of this two-year initiative. Her involvement highlights Fiji’s dedication to nurturing female leadership within rugby and elevating the sport’s international status. Alongside attending the summit, Burnes intends to engage with various rugby unions in Europe and the UK, working to establish stronger international ties and creating new avenues for women in rugby.
Previously, Burnes participated in the Oceania Rugby Commentary and Mobile Journalism Program, broadening her skills in sports commentary and digital journalism. Her role in media coverage during the Women’s Rugby World Cup further cements her influence in the rugby sphere.
She advocates for the significance of such programs in inspiring more women to enter the sports sector, describing her experiences as both enlightening and motivational. Burnes aspires to leverage her new skills within Fiji’s rugby community by fostering initiatives that improve digital content creation, storytelling, and commercial collaborations.
The participation of Burnes and many other women in leadership roles signifies a crucial shift towards inclusivity and empowerment within rugby. This aligns with recent efforts within Fiji Rugby to recognize and appreciate women in board and leadership positions.
Ultimately, Burnes’ journey symbolizes the expanding opportunities for women in sports leadership and underscores the progressive changes within the rugby world, both in Fiji and globally. Such initiatives are paving the way for a more inclusive future for female athletes and leaders in rugby.