Philippines’ new rugby chief Ada Milby waits for the day when women in leadership is no longer a big deal
- The 37-year-old Asia Rugby and World Rugby senior member takes over from Rick Santos after unanimous vote of approval from the board’s trustees
- Milby wants a world where ‘it’s not whether you are male or female but you are the most qualified for the job’
Ada Milby has made history for rugby in the Philippines after becoming the first female president of the country’s governing body.
The 37-year-old former figure skater and American Football player was this week chosen as the new president of the Philippines Rugby Football Union, becoming one of the few but growing number of women who hold leadership positions in world rugby.
Milby, previously secretary general of the PRFU, was elected unanimously by her peers in the body’s executive, with supporters giving recognition to her outstanding work as an Asia Rugby senior member and also World Rugby’s first female council member.
Still active as an elite player, Milby said she hoped a day would come when women rising to leadership positions in sport is no longer news.
“I get that that’s where we’re at in our journey of trying to get more women into leadership positions and I don’t want to undermine the fact that it is terrific that I’m the first female president of Philippines Rugby,” said Milby, who replaces Rick Santos after his eight-year tenure ended.