April Cavanagh Steps Up as QRU Director with Regional Voice

April Cavanagh has been appointed as a director on the Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) Board, filling a casual vacancy. With more than 25 years of leadership experience across financial services, agriculture, risk management, manufacturing, and governance, she brings both breadth and depth to the role.

Her strong regional background positions her to advocate for communities across Queensland.

“I’m passionate about a regional voice,” Cavanagh said. “As a fourth-generation rural Australian, I feel I know the value of that voice and what a team sport like rugby means to the communities across the state.”

Career and Leadership Experience

From 2009 to 2022, Cavanagh served as Head of Agribusiness at Suncorp Bank, managing a AUD5 billion portfolio and working with more than 3,000 farming families while leading a team of over 100 staff.

She currently chairs Manufacturing Skills Queensland and holds board positions with Toowoomba Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE), Endeavour Meats, and Cotton Australia.

Her experience in community rugby across Emerald, Roma, and Longreach has given her insight into the values and needs of diverse regional communities.

Focus on Grassroots Participation

Cavanagh expressed particular enthusiasm for the progress of The Girls Can Tackle Anything program, which has established nine hubs across Queensland to encourage participation for girls aged Under-6 to Under-12.

“I never got that opportunity as someone born in country Australia. It’s incredible to now see Darling Downs girls’ teams going away to play rugby,” she said. “It’s incredibly good for culture too, with boys learning how to relate and see girls as equals.”

Board Endorsement

QRU Chair Brett Clark welcomed her appointment:
“April brings to the Board a wealth of experience across regional Queensland, a deep understanding of governance, and a strong passion for rugby. We are confident her contributions and advocacy will strengthen the Board and support the continued growth and success of rugby in Queensland.”

Related Appointment: Cath Clark to Super Rugby Pacific Board

In a related development, Cath Clark has been appointed Independent Director representing the Australian Super Rugby Clubs on the Super Rugby Pacific Board. She will step down from her QRU director position to assume the role, following a QRU recommendation supported by other Australian clubs.

QRU Chair Brett Clark said:
“Cath’s experience in sports governance, strategic leadership, and high-performance sport makes her well-placed to contribute to the continuing evolution and success of Super Rugby Pacific. We are proud to see the QRU playing a leading role in this appointment.”

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