14. MELODIE ROBINSON

Robinson is TVNZ’s general manager of sports and events which, given the relative paucity of rugby on free to air, would not be enough on its own to win her a place on this list.

Couple that with the fact that she’s been umbilically connected to the sport since her days as a Black Fern and remains on the frontlines in her role as International Rugby Players representative on the Rugby World Cup board alongside Brian O’Driscoll, then you have a more compelling case.

Most important of all, perhaps, is that Robinson can be rugby’s conscience. She is committed to advancing the cause of women in sport and women in the sport’s media. If rugby shirks on its commitment to the women’s game, Robinson can, and will, bite.