Cheryl Soon, former captain of Australia’s women’s rugby team, has become a key committee member at the International Rugby Board.

Soon, the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 winning skipper who led the Wallaroos to the inaugural title in Dubai, was on Thursday appointed to the IRB’s Rugby Committee.

The former scrum half, who captained Australia to a third at the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2010, also featured significantly in the IRB’s successful Olympic bid in 2009.

“There are few more experienced and passionate about the development of women’s rugby than Cheryl Soon,” IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset said.

“She is a winner and we are delighted that she has accepted the invitation and look forward to her invaluable contribution to the IRB Rugby Committee and the game worldwide.”

Soon becomes the third Australian to be elevated to a key position within the IRB structure.

ARU Managing Director and CEO, John O’Neill, was elected recently to the role as Chairman of the IRB Regulations Committee.

ARU Chairman Michael Hawker is also a member of the key decision-making body, the IRB Executive Committee.