Rugby Nova Scotia is pleased to announce our new executive director, Vanessa MacKinnon. MacKinnon has been involved in rugby in several different scopes for almost 10 years, despite not playing the sport growing up. She was a student athletic therapist at Acadia University where she worked with the women’s varsity rugby team as her first exposure to the sport. She pursued her Master’s in Sport Management at the University of Ottawa and worked with Special Olympics and Basketball Canada before joining Rugby Nova Scotia.

As previous Provincial Administrative Coordinator, MacKinnon has supported Rugby Nova Scotia and the development of several new programs and positions. She is proud of the organization’s work around gender equity and hopes to see equal opportunities for all continue to grow across Canada. MacKinnon believes that rugby is an empowering sport for women and girls, as anyone can play regardless of size, shape, etc.

MacKinnon is passionate about bringing sport to people and people to sport, and hopes to get the ball into as many hands as possible. She believes that rugby is a great sport to promote positive messaging and hopes that every child gets a chance to try it.

“Over the last 2.5 years I have had the opportunity to work with Rugby Nova Scotia on a part time basis through Sport Nova Scotia. I have come to fall in love with this sport and the rugby community, and am excited to continue my work with this fantastic organization on a full time basis. I’m looking forward to working with this excellent team, and helping to take rugby in Nova Scotia to another level!” With her experience and enthusiasm, MacKinnon is sure to lead Rugby Nova Scotia to even more success in the future.

Vanessa will officially switch her title on April 18th.