Business Professional Uses Rugby to Promote International Gender Equity

As an athlete and professional with extensive executive experience, Lailanie Burnes is using her understanding of sport and business to provide women with greater access to sport and leadership positions. Growing up, Lailanie played a variety of sports, but discovered a particular passion and unique skill set for rugby. Lailanie became one of Fiji’s most renowned players, playing for the Fijiana 7s and eventually serving as the captain of the Fijiana 15s team.

With graduate degrees in Management and Human Resources and a Masters of Business, Lailanie has professional experience in media, hospitality, and tourism. She has worked as a journalist, announcer, and commentator for several internationally broadcasted programs, including the Super Rugby Pacific competition. With over 25 years of managerial & executive leadership working for some of Fiji’s largest tourism companies, Lailanie was named Manager of the Year by Westpac Women in Business Executive.

Lailanie’s diverse professional experiences have provided her with the platform and leadership skills necessary to emerge as a leading advocate for sport in Fiji. After becoming a Level 3 World Rugby coach, Lailanie was invited to serve on the coaching panel for the Fiji National Women’s Team and became a Certified World Rugby Coach Educator. As a sport educator, she offers courses for aspiring coaches from around the world to grow in their technical and managerial expertise. Today, Lailanie works as an international rugby ambassador and the Sponsorship & Hospitality Manager for the Fijan Drua Super Rugby Team.

At the GSMP, Lailanie hopes to learn more about the ways in which women have used their unique skills to break through the glass ceiling and obtain executive roles in the male dominated sport industry. Lailanie also hopes to gain media skills which will enable her to connect with athletes, obtain organizational support, and garner international publicity.

Lailanie will be mentored by Susan Cohig, Executive Vice President, Club Business Affairs, and her team at NHL in New York, New York.