IRB Women’s Personality of the Year

So as many of you know the men's Rugby World Cup came to a half earlier this week. As well as the main focus on the matches, the IRB hands out Player of the Year and a host of other prizes based on performances during the year. 

For some reason there isn't a female Player trophy but there is a Women's Personality prize. I know, I know, don't get me started. But this year's winner Ruth Mitchell has more than earned any prizes given to her, whatever the title. A former player in Hong Kong - where the scene is vital enough that a Blediscoe Cup match between Australia and New Zealand was played there  - she is now the Director of Development.

Obviously she works on promoting the men's game as well, but she is better known for the huge amount of work she's put into the Women's Sevens tournament. Now in it's 14th year, the women's game is spreading parts of Asia very far removed from being traditional strongholds. And you need someone to push that kind of change, it doesn't just happen.

Ruth Mitchell, Hong Kong Rugby

 Last year's winner was New Zealand player Carla Hohepa

PS - congratulations! to France and New Zealand for an exciting final game.