The Rugby Players Association (RPA) is pleased to confirm its Women’s Rugby Board for the 2026/27 season, with Abi Burton re-elected as Chair and Grace Deane elected as Vice Chair.
Burton will continue to lead the Board following its first season, with Deane moving into the Vice Chair role after representing Leicester Tigers on the Board last season.
The Board will also welcome three new representatives for the 2026/27 season, with Megan Davey, Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald and Amelia Kolev joining from Loughborough Lightning, Exeter Chiefs and Harlequins respectively.
The new representatives bring further international experience to the Board, joining a group which also includes a number of returning representatives from last season.
Tysh Harper returns for Sale Sharks, alongside Ella Wyrwas for Saracens, Sam Monaghan for Gloucester-Hartpury and Jenny Hesketh for Bristol Bears.
The Women’s Rugby Board was launched last season to provide players across the women’s game with a dedicated platform to represent their peers and ensure their views and experiences help shape the RPA’s work.
Meeting throughout the season, representatives bring feedback directly from their clubs and discuss the key issues affecting players across PWR and the wider women’s game.
Rachael Burford, RPA Head of Women’s Rugby, said: “It’s great to have Abi continuing as Chair and Grace stepping into the Vice Chair role, having both been part of the Board last season.
I’d also like to thank Jenny and the other players who represented their clubs on the Board last season and have now stepped down from their roles. Their time, input and commitment helped us establish the Board in its first year and has given us a strong platform to build from.”
The full RPA Women’s Rugby Board for the 2026/27 season:
Bristol Bears: Jenny Hesketh
Exeter Chiefs: Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald
Gloucester-Hartpury: Sam Monaghan
Harlequins: Amelia Kolev
Leicester Tigers: Grace Deane – Vice Chair
Loughborough Lightning: Megan Davey
Sale Sharks: Tysh Harper
Saracens: Ella Wyrwas
Trailfinders Women: Abi Burton – Chair
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