Canadian Rugby board chairman Sally Dennis has been appointed as Canada’s representative on the World Rugby Council.

Dennis replaces Dr. Pat Parfrey, who is stepping down after serving as World Rugby Canada representative since 2015.

Parfrey, 72, has been a presence in Canadian rugby for years. A key figure in Newfoundland and Labrador rugby, this kidney specialist and former Ireland international previously served as coach of the Canadian men’s rugby team and president of Canadian Rugby.

The World Rugby Council is the highest decision-making body in World Rugby, consisting of 52 members from 18 countries and six regional governing bodies. It decides issues such as hosting rights and competition structure for the Rugby World Cup.

First appointed to the Rugby Canada board as general director in 2017, Dennis will become the first female chairman of the Rugby Canada board in 2021.

Rugby Canada said Dennis was selected as a success for Parfrey by the selection committee.

“As chair of the board, Sally has proven to be a powerful and vital voice to move Canadian Rugby forward into a new future for the game in this country,” Rugby Canada CEO Nathan Bombrys said in a statement. “Appointing Sally enables consistency and connectivity between World Rugby and the Canadian Rugby board, executive team and key stakeholders.

“Her skills as a lawyer will transfer well into this new role, and we believe that Sally is the best person to represent and protect the interests of the Canadian rugby community on a global level.”

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published on March 14, 2023