Three decades after being a member of one of the trailblazing teams in Marlborough women’s rugby, Juliet Gibbons is representing the code again.
The former midfield back, from the Renwick Club, has taken up a position as an “emerging director” on the Tasman Rugby Union board.
“Earlier this year I saw the advert calling for three independent directors. I missed out, but was later approached and asked to join the board and I am loving it,” says Juliet who is a communications adviser with the Marlborough District Council.
Prior to that, she and her husband Steve ran an adventure tourism business in the Marlborough Sounds for more than 20 years.
Juliet hopes her media background and gender will be an asset to the otherwise all-male board which was revamped earlier this year after plenty of upheaval, including two female directors and the chairman leaving.
“I am looking forward, not back,” insists the 51-year-old.
Emerging director sounds like an apprentice of sorts and the former Marlborough Express journalist doesn’t mind that tag.
“There is so much rugby speak, a lot to learn and take in. It is a good way to dip my toe into it. These are exciting times with the union’s 20th anniversary coming up next year,” declares Juliet, who is also one of 27 women named in the Women in Governance rugby programme.
“It is designed to support women like me who are new to rugby governance. It is part online learning and part in person with a workshop for participants in Wellington next February.
“I am super excited to get this opportunity and I am keen to share what I learn so we can see more women in Nelson/Marlborough step into rugby leadership roles within our province.”
She’s been a regular on rugby sidelines supporting her son Ben who was a No.8 in the Marlborough Boys’ College 1st XV this season.
“That gave me quite an insight into rugby, too,” says Juliet.
Ben’s granddad David Gibbons, also a midfield back, was on the fringe of All Black selection only to dislocate his knee before the selection trial, whereas his dad Steve was a hockey goalkeeper for Marlborough.
“So Ben doesn’t get his rugby talent from him,” she quips.
Ben is off to the Crusaders Academy in Nelson and will attend NMIT while Mum continues her new rugby studies too.
But she won’t giving away her other passion – hockey – where her 15-year-old daughter Lizzie is making her mark as well.
