THE new first lady of Ulster Rugby is confidently looking forward to successfully combining her sporting role with a busy work and family life.
“I like to be busy,” says Paula Stewart, from Waringstown, recently elected as Ulster Rugby’s first female junior vice-President.
The appointment has put Paula, who represents her local Lurgan Rugby Club, on a succession path to next year becoming Ulster’s first female senior vice-President and, a year after that, first lady President.
The role will provide plenty to occupy a capable administrator who left the pitch for the committee room when a leg break unfortunately ended her rugby playing career.
“The injury ruled me out of ever doing anything of note on the playing side so I switched to admin to stay involved in the sport,” explains Paula who also turned out for Waringstown at cricket and for Dromore Netball Club as a player and umpire.
Paula adds: “I have been involved now for over 20 years on the admin side with Lurgan Rugby Club, serving on various committees and in different roles behind the scenes.
“In 2017 I became the club’s representative at Ulster Rugby and really enjoyed the new responsibilities.
“I eventually became chair of the Women and Girls rugby committee and when I found out I had been considered by Ulster Branch as the Junior Vice President I was initially speechless.
“It’s a honour to be the first female to fill the role and also a challenge as we work to grow the girls and women’s games in Ulster.
“It’s still all very new to me but I think it is good to be able to bring a female perspective to how the game is administered in Uster.
“My appointment also shows how progressive and inclusive Ulster Rugby are as an organisation.”
Paula intends to visit as many clubs as possible over the next three years of her term as she completes a succession of firsts on her way to becoming full President.
Back at base, however, at the famous old Ravenhill ground, now known as the Affidea stadium, Paula confides she won’t be the first member of her extended family to serve Ulster Rugby with pride.
Her cousin, Paul McKenzie, played with distinction for Ulster, Ireland U19s, U20s, Ireland A and Exeter Chiefs in the mid-2000s.
