Boasting one of the best Women’s Rugby programs in the country, the Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) is working with Queensland Women to showcase the extraordinary everyday lives that they lead. By doing this in conjunction with International Women's Day and Queensland Women's Week, we wish to raise awareness for all the remarkable women who make Rugby great.

Over the course of the coming week, we will profile the women who always go the extra mile for themselves, their team, their children and Rugby as whole.

Your Queensland Women will kick-off the Reds v Crusaders blockbuster with an all Queensland XVs derby at 4:45pm.

PHOEBE THOMAS

Queensland Sevens Representative

Position: Prop

Club: Sunnybank Rugby Club

Representative Honours: Queensland Sevens

Occupation: Physiotherapist, Small Business Owner

More about Phoebe

Phoebe is an exceptional athlete who is determined to achieve everything she sets her mind to. This is clearly exemplified in her day-to-day life where she owns and operates her own small business. Phoebe has worked in the health and fitness industry for the last five years, and took it on herself to pursue her dream of owning a Physiotherapy Clinic - Physio Fit Co.

Phoebe is more than a Rugby player. She is extraordinary.

the reds family to me means digging that extra mile When you're really tired and you make sure you do that extra tackle or that extra run. - phoebe thomas

KIRI LINGMAN

Queensland Women's Sevens and XVs Representative

Sevens Position: Forward (Prop or Hooker)

XVs Position: Back Row (Second Row, Flanker or Number 8)

Club: Sunnybank Rugby Club

Representative Honours:

• Queensland Sevens
• National XVs Team
• Australian University Sevens Team

Occupation: Urban & Environmental Planning Graduate

More about Kiri

Kiri Lingman has spent the last four years at Griffith university studying a full-time degree of Bachelor of Urban & Environmental Planning. Even though Kiri is dedicating her 9am-5pm with work commitments, she has her sights on being selected in the Women's World Cup team later this year. Kiri made the transition from Netball four years ago and continues to develop in the game we all love.

Kiri always manages to find time to achieve her dreams and succeed in all aspects of her life. This is evident in her accolades both on-and-off the field.

Both academically and athletically she is a perfect representation of what being extraordinary stands for.

The opportunity to do something that I love everyday with a bunch of people who are continually supporting me and pushing me to my limits is what the reds family means to me - Kiri lingman

MAHLIAH IVORY

Wests Media Manager

Club: Wests Bulldogs Rugby Union Club

Occupation: Wests Media Manager, DoubleTake Sports Videographer, Primary School Teacher Aid

Education: Bachelor of Journalism and Bachelor of Communications (PR)

More about Mahliah

Mahliah started her Bachelors degree with aspirations to work within the Queensland Rugby Union Media and Communications department, where her interest in Rugby stemmed from her families involvement and love of the game. Mahliah was successful in her application and continued working with the team at QRU for over 10 months whilst studying full-time. The work ethic, passion and drive for success Mahliah exhibited in her time at the QRU, gave her the opportunity to work with the team at Wests Rugby Union. As the Media Manager, she delves into all areas of social media, marketing, communications, and videography. She was also lucky enough to play a huge role at the Brisbane Global Rugby Tens, and continues to be a familiar face of the QRU and Reds TV.

When Mahliah isn't at Wests, you would find her filming Queensland Premier Rugby and Schools Rugby alongside the team at DoubleTake Productions. Further cementing her love of the game and motivation to be the best she possibly can as an individual and employee.

Mahliah is a true asset to the game and exceptional in character.

The best thing about being a part of the rugby family is the culture. it is addictive, always innovative and each team is working together to achieve the common goal of growing the game. - mahliah ivory

CHEYENNE CAMPBELL

Queensland Women's XVs Captain and Wallaroo Stalwart

Club: Redlands Rugby Union Club

Representative Honours:

• Queensland Sevens Representative
• Queensland XVs Representative
• Wallaroo
• Women's Rugby World Cup 2010 (England)

RACHAEL HORTON

ARU Referee

Club: Clubs in England and Canada as well as the British Army

Representative Honours: First female referee in Queensland Premier Rugby (2014), Refereed two International Matches; Fiji (World Cup Qualifier) and Italy (Women’s Six Nations)

Occupation: ARU Referee and Secondary School Teacher

After playing Rugby for nearly 10 years, Rachael made the switch to refereeing where she very quickly became fond of the professional environment. When Rachael is not refereeing, she spends her days as a Physics and Chemistry Teacher and Housemaster at Anglican Church Grammar School.

Rachael is a true champion of our game and has invested countless hours to making the game great both as a player and a referee.

“They are very accepting of me but I do think because I’m a woman, they make more of an effort to come over and say I’ve done a great job.”