LOCKED IN: Sunnybank Rugby is proud to announce Kiri Barker as our Pathways Manager - Women and Girls.
Kiri Barker (pictured)
Sunnybank Rugby is proud to announce Kiri Barker as our Pathways Manager - Women and Girls.
This new and critical role will underpin Sunnybank Rugby’s commitment to our current and future female players, from Juniors through to Premier Women.
The Pathways Manager will provide strategic and operational leadership across the Women’s and Girls programmes, with specific focus in aligning and strengthening our programme and player pathways, in line with emerging competition formats across Brisbane Junior Rugby Union and Queensland Premier Rugby.
As a former Sunnybank player and Wallaroo and current commentator for STAN Sports women’s rugby, Barker has lived experience of what it takes to excel through the pathway system. Providing knowledge and insights into participation and high-performance rugby for Sunnybank players, Kiri’s expertise will guide and nurture talent across juniors and seniors.
On her appointment, Barker says:
“There’s an undeniable trajectory in women’s rugby right now and I am proud to be a part of a club that believes in the growth of their women’s program. Sunnybank was always a place for me to learn, grow and excel in the sport that has given me so much in return. This program will provide the opportunity to foster the next generation of strong women, and I am honoured to lead this.”
When asked on the significance of this appointment, Sunnybank Rugby Director of Rugby, Brad Harrington said:
“We are thrilled to welcome Kiri in this pivotal role. Having an ex-international of her calibre return to the club where she began her rugby journey is both inspiring and symbolic of what we stand for. At Sunnybank we want to be a destination club for aspirational players, coaches and support staff, and with Kiri at the helm for women and girls, we are taking that commitment to the next level. Her experience and passion will help us grow this program across all levels of the club, and we are excited to set the benchmark for the competition in developing the next generation of female players.”
General Manager of Sunnybank Rugby Stephanie Karvelis says:
“This role is testament to Sunnybank Rugby’s continued investment and alignment of our female rugby program. We are grabbing the opportunity to future proof our offering for the next generation of female players and are unapologetic for bringing parity to the women’s game. I am excited to see our program grow stronger over the coming years, and to watch our players benefit as a result”
Barker will commence in this her role in October, ahead of Season 2026.
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