Abi Tierney has proven to be one of the most powerful women in British sports administration. Photo: Hugh Evans/Shutterstock
First female chief The chief executive of the northern hemisphere's leading rugby union will take office in Wales next month, just a year after the Welsh Rugby Union was rocked by allegations of racism, sexism, misogyny and homophobia at amid a toxic culture within the governing body.< /p>
Abi Tierney's appointment provides visible leadership to reflect the rapid growth of the women's game and, at a critical time for the WRU, provides the tutelage to support the reforms needed to ensure inclusion.
The former Director General of Passports, Visas and Immigration Services at the Home Office is no stranger to taking on big challenges – tackling the small court crisis has been high on her agenda in recent years – and she now finds herself one of the most powerful women in British sports administration.< /p>
The publication of a damning independent review in November laid bare the scale of the problem Tierney faced after allegations by former employees were revealed in a BBC documentary in January. She acknowledges that her appointment will be key to overseeing cultural reform.
“My parents and mentors raised me to be gender neutral, and as a leader you bring something to the table – that's normal for society. period,” she says. “Whether in the public service or in my previous roles with the NHS and Serco, many women have already blazed a trail before me. Three things are the same for this purpose.
“Firstly, the growth and growing passion for women's sport, which is reflected in rugby, where I think there is huge opportunity for women's sport to grow and people can look at me and say, 'Actually, women and rugby are going hand in hand”. and work.”
“I think the second piece of the puzzle is some of the allegations that Welsh rugby has faced. I think there's almost a custody clause. Coming in as a woman and wanting to build on the work that's already been done, but also making sure that the culture created is inclusive and where everyone feels valued, regardless of their gender, and the authenticity with which I can do that, I think will be very important .
“And then I remember telling my mom and dad [about her appointment]. My mom, who blazed a trail in her career, was incredibly proud. I don't think I'm unusual. But I realized that I am unusual for the people around me who are looking for a role model. And that feels like a privilege.”
“Compassion is at the core of my leadership.”
Visible leadership will also see Tierney bring a new approach to management. She doesn't feel like she has to fit into the mold of previous male leaders. She wants to do things her own way. “I am not one who follows a male leadership style; there is a stereotype of what a male leader does and behaves.
“Compassion is at the core of my leadership, and inclusion and participation are at the core of my leadership style. I will be curious and listen rather than directive and top-down. This is how I have always led and been successful, so as I step into this role, I don't intend to be any different from anyone else.
“I want to listen, engage, be curious, ask questions, and then… most importantly, develop vision and strategy with a truly complex and complex group of stakeholders who have many different priorities.
“It would be arrogant for me to come and say I have all the answers. I think I have a skill set that will help me create a vision and work with people. But this does not mean that there are no priorities. Women's rugby needs to be there and the development path needs to be there, a sustainable financial business model for the whole end-to-end process needs to be there. But I think the hardest thing is how we are going to solve these problems together.”
Given her senior position at the Home Office, Tierney's move to the WRU required Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's approval due to the civil service code of conduct regarding conflicts of interest. “I work very closely with him and he is very supportive,” she adds.
So why this move? Some might consider her move to be jumping from the frying pan into the fire. Warren Gatland, the Wales head coach, joked earlier this year that if he had known about the problems facing Welsh rugby, he might have thought twice about returning.
“I would regret it if this someone else took on the role”
Tierney is clear. During the recruitment process, she immediately hit it off with new WRU chairman Richard Collier-Caywood. “I first got involved in this process in April and I've had a lot of time to look at the issues thoroughly and I think you can deal with any issues if you have a great team around you and you are united in your desire to solve them. them,” she adds. “I know I can work with Richard and that was very important.
“When I started my previous job at the Home Office, my predecessor left me a handover document and changed my job description on the front This. He changed my job title to “The Unwinnable Job.” So I'm used to challenges. Some people excel at running stable organizations, others thrive when faced with complex challenges, so this is actually my dream job. There was also a bit of, “If it's not me, then who?”
“I really think I can make a difference, and I can do it, and so I would regret it if I saw someone then it does. “.
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