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The International Rugby Board announced the appointment of Carol Isherwood OBE to the IRB Rugby Committee.

The first female to be appointed to the Committee by the IRB Council, Isherwood has been a leading figure in the Women's Game for over 25 years as a player, coach and administrator and the appointment provides another boost to the Game at a time when it is enjoying record playing numbers and increased interest and appeal.

"We are privileged that Carol has joined the IRB Rugby Committee and brings with her a wealth of experience including playing for England, serving England Rugby as an administrator and coached Women's Rugby at the highest level," said IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset.

"This is a very positive step for Rugby and Women's Rugby around the World. Carol will help inform IRB decisions on a range of playing matters including Laws, the International Match Schedule, player welfare and the training of coaches and officials, as well as the global development of the Women's Game."

As a founder member of the Rugby Football Union for Women, Isherwood pioneered the development of the Women's Game in England and now takes up the challenge of working with the Committee in advancing the global Game.

"For anyone involved in our great Game, it is an honour to be selected to join the IRB Rugby Committee, but I am particularly proud to be the first woman," said Isherwood.

"I am really looking forward to contributing to the essential service the Committee provides for the whole Game and hope I can bring new ideas and a fresh perspective with me.

"I am also enthused by the prospects for international Women's Rugby in the next decade following the recent success of the women's tournament at the RWC Sevens in Dubai and, hopefully, Olympic inclusion from 2016. These are very exciting and important times for Rugby worldwide," added Isherwood.

The seven-strong IRB Rugby Committee comprises IRB Council members; Graham Mourie (Chairman), Chris Le Fevre (Canada), Bill Nolan (Scotland), John O'Neill (Australia), David Pickering (Wales) and Pat Whelan (Ireland). Following on from Isherwood's appointment, a leading coach and former international player will be appointed to the Committee in the coming weeks.

"The IRB Rugby Committee has a broad remit and deals with all issues related to the playing of the Game. It is essential the Committee can assess and act upon these issues and Carol's appointment further underlines the IRB's commitment to player welfare and the management of players and playing," said Graham Mourie, IRB Rugby Committee Chairman.

The IRB Rugby Committee is one of three IRB Standings Committees; the other two are the Audit & Risk Committee and the Regulations Committee.

(Source: IRB)