While a lot of people start their Rugby journeys on the sideline of a field, very few could claim they were there to support a referee alongside their sister.
“Dad had a reputation for being whistle happy; I have very fond memories of him practising blowing his whistle on a Saturday morning.” Rugby Australia’s board director Karen Penrose recalled.
Having watched her father, former Test referee, Carl Collett, most of his career, there was no doubting Penrose’s affinity for the game.
A proud Wallaby First member since 1997, and having watched Rugby at all levels, from the Wallabies down to Super Rugby, school rugby and then community, Karen’s passion for the game runs deep. However, nothing is more powerful than her hopes for the women’s game.
As Rugby Australia celebrates International Women’s Day, RUGBY.com.au sat down with board director Karen Penrose to discuss her Rugby journey and hopes for the game.
Having transitioned from a successful corporate career to serve as a director on the boards of some large Australian listed companies , some may argue that becoming the Barker Old Boys Rugby Club president in 2019 would have been an easy job. However, as a passionate Rugby
fan, some may say this is where she has made her most significant impact.
Penrose joined the club with two key priorities that were successfully achieved in her first twelve months. The first, a review of the club’s governance structure as they looked to become incorporated and secondly, to develop a women’s sevens team.
