Born: 23 September, 1975 in Auckland, New Zealand

McAfee’s place in Australian rugby history was assured when she led her country to glory in the inaugural women’s Rugby World Cup Sevens competition in Dubai in March 2009.

The dramatic sudden-death, extra-time victory over trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand concluded a successful tournament for herself and her team, with the quick-thinking back having announced her arrival at the tournament with a try in the first-ever game against China.

Later that year, McAfee’s pioneering spirit was embraced by World Rugby who invited her to become a member of the bid team that would successfully campaign for rugby sevens‘ inclusion in the Olympic programme.

A scrum-half in 15s, McAfee also captained her country with distinction in the longer format of the game, from 2007-10, including at Rugby World Cup 2010 in England, where her nine-year, 21-cap career in test rugby ended with a bronze medal.

In 2012, she joined World Rugby’s Rugby Committee, becoming a key voice in helping to drive forward policies that positively impact on the women’s game.