Former England captain awarded MBE
Former England captain Sue Day has been awarded an MBE for services to gender equality in sport.
Now Chief Operations and Financial Officer at the RFU, Day has been a passionate advocate and pioneer of the women’s game.
In her playing days, the former England captain received 59 caps, scoring 61 tries and won three Grand Slams in a career that took her to three World Cups.
“I’m honoured to receive this award and also humbled as I am acutely aware that I am just one of a whole movement of people working incredibly hard to drive the progress of women’s sport and women’s rugby," said Day.
"The phenomenal progress made in the women’s game, and indeed the game as a whole is the result of lots of passionate players, coaches and volunteers and this award is recognition for them too.
"I look forward to a time when we can all come together to see a winning England Red Roses team play in front of a full capacity crowd at Twickenham Stadium."
Since retiring from playing in 2010, her work to further the women’s game has only increased.
Day was the first female president of Wasps FC (the amateur arm of Wasps Rugby club) and was one of the founding members of the Women’s Sport Trust, which exists to raise the visibility and increase the impact of women’s sport.
At the RFU, Day has continued to drive the women’s game forward, and is leading development of the strategy to accelerate the all-round growth of the women’s game.
Sue also remains an active member of the Wasps Legends and a supporter of the Wasps Legends Foundation, an organisation made up of men’s and women’s past players who to date have raised over £700,000 for good causes.
To this day Sue remains one of England’s top two try scorers along with Nicky Crawford with at least 60 tries (records are incomplete from the early days of England women's rugby).
Bill Sweeney, RFU CEO commented: “The RFU is very lucky to have Sue’s experience and expertise and this award is testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport. Congratulations Sue, its thoroughly deserved."
