Two prominent women within the Bermuda rugby community have been appointed into presidential roles within the sport.

Gemma Godfrey has been voted in as the new president at the helm of the Bermuda Rugby Football Union during the national body’s annual meeting at the end of last month.

Having served on the BRFU committee for several years, most recently holding the position of vice-president, Godfrey, who replaces long-serving executive member Sean Field-Lament, becomes the first woman to hold the top role since the union formed in 1964.

“I’m excited to step into this new role, to continue to build on the efforts of my longstanding predecessor, Sean Field-Lament, who has served on the executive for 12 years and has dedicated over 38 years to Bermuda Rugby,” said Godfrey, who took up the sport in 2012 and represented the island at nationalal level before injury forced her to shift focus to the administrative side of the game.

“I’d like to thank Sean for his unparalleled commitment and service to the game.

“The rugby community in Bermuda is incredible. Through the efforts of its dedicated and unrelenting volunteer base, rugby provides opportunities for individuals of every ability and interest to come and try the sport, whether that’s through our local clubs, youth programmes, high school and middle school leagues, as well as our player development pathways.

“As with many sports in Bermuda, rebuilding participation has been a key focus for us since Covid, but I am confident that with the support of the newly elected executive and officers, we are in a strong position to grow the game significantly and sustainably for the future, so that our future young athletes enjoy the camaraderie and unifying spirit that rugby’s core values offer.”

History was also made at Teachers’ annual meeting, with the appointment of Gillian Cross as club president, as she became the first woman to hold the position since the club was established in 1961.

Joining the club towards the end of the 2012-13 season, Cross made an immediate impression and became part of the national women’s team in 2014.

Falling in love with the game and culture that comes with it, she has been a constant fixture in both the domestic touch league and the national contact league, holding the role as captain for both Teachers and the national team.

Off the field, Cross has also served on the BRFU executive committee, filling the position of women’s representative and providing a strong voice in support of the women’s league.

Furthermore, the importance of the game to Cross and her family is abundantly evident with her daughters, Corrie and Sarah, following in her footsteps to take up the sport, while husband Corey regularly volunteers as an assistant referee while also serving as secretary of the BRFU and now acting as the compliance officer for the Union.

“As the new president, I am committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all members,” said Cross.

“Our club is built on the passion and dedication of our players, coaches, volunteers, and supporters. Together we will continue to nurture talent, develop skills, and provide opportunities for growth, not only within our club but also within the wider rugby community.

“I extend my sincere appreciation to the outgoing president Brian Desmond, who served in the role for the past six years, and to the previous presidents and committee members for their dedication and hard work in bringing the club to where it is today.

“Their contributions have laid a solid foundation upon which we will build an even stronger future.”