Rugby Australia has partnered with World Rugby to welcome a new Women's High-Performance Manager, Jaime Fernandez.
A three-time Olympic Rower and Olympic Silver medallist at the Sydney 2000 Games, Fernandez brings a wealth of experience to the newly-created position.
Most recently the Deputy Performance Director at Rowing Australia, Fernandez has achieved global excellence in his development of pathway and Olympic athletes alike during his 11 years with the organisation.
A World Rowing Youth Commission board member, Fernandez is passionate about fostering the next generation of world-class athletes to deliver sustainable international success.
Fernandez will work across the Wallaroos, Super W and women's pathways programs to develop high-performance environments and implement clear standards on the path to professionalism.
Rugby Australia was the first union to partner with World Rugby on Accelerate, a new global framework for growth and targeted investment that will fast track the development of Women's Rugby both on and off the field.
As part of this investment under the Accelerate program, RA is committed to recruiting a full-time Wallaroos Head Coach for the 2024 season.
Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh is delighted with the appointment and referenced the exciting international calendar ahead.
"With WXV1 in New Zealand fast approaching in October this year, followed by the 2025 and 2029 Women's Rugby World Cups in England and Australia, Rugby Australia is committed to high-performance investment in Women’s Rugby," said Waugh.
"Jaime has a proven track record over more than a decade at Rowing Australia, and we look forward to drawing on his exceptional experience to further improve our national women's programs.
"Community pathways are integral to the development of the next generation of female athletes, and I have every confidence that Jaime will advance Rugby Australia's growth of the women's game."
Jaime Fernandez will commence his new role as Rugby Australia's Women's High-Performance Manager on 11 September.
