Women’s Sport Week showcase: Toni Blackhurst

To celebrate Women’s Sport Week 2016, Scottish Rugby is showcasing women who are making a difference to rugby in Scotland. Today we hear from Toni Blackhurst, Scottish Rugby’s Head of Marketing & Sponsorship. Toni is one of an increasing number of women in senior posts alongside Dee Bradbury who is the first female Scottish Rugby Vice President and Lesley Thomson who was apointed to the Scottish Rugby Board in 2013. Name: Toni Blackhurst Age: 38 Club: Scottish Rugby (and Waterloo when I lived in England )Role: Head of Marketing and Sponsorship, Scottish Rugby    I work in rugby because…I am able to combine my love of sport along with my day job. It’s a fantastic role, surrounded by hard working and passionate individuals who are all striving to see results. Whether it be selling out BT Murrayfield for a Scotland game, securing a new sponsor or developing a campaign to attract people into rugby, our team are involved in all aspects of the game.  We see tangible results every day from social media posts to ticket sales to commercial turnover and work as part of a team who are always looking for new ideas to exceed expectations of our customers, our fans and our sponsors.How long have you been involved in rugby? Since a very early age as I watched my dad and then brother play so I spent many years on the touchline and in the clubhouse of my local club. I always wanted to work in sport, with rugby being my passion as a fan. After doing a degree in sports marketing at university I worked in sports sponsorship at RBS for a number of years looking after the sponsorship of the RBS 6 Nations and Scottish Rugby. I joined Scottish Rugby four years ago. I’ve also played a bit of touch rugby along the way!Why did you get involved? I was lucky enough to secure a job combining a hobby and work. In terms of playing, we wanted to do something different at work and formed a team to play in the touch league. It was good exercise, good fun and great for team spirit both on the field and back in the office. What do you love about rugby? The team spirit and values of rugby. Everyone involved whether that be playing, spectating or volunteering can genuinely feel part of the team. I’d argue there is no greater day out than mixing with opposition fans before, during and after a game. Why should women get involved in rugby? Fresh air and exercise – and add to that making new friends, developing competencies and being part of a team.How has sport made an impact on your life? It has been fundamental to who I am today. Aside from keeping me fit and healthy, my best friends are those who I played in teams with at school or university. Those friendships will last a lifetime. I developed leadership skills as captain, confidence and communication skills and of course teamwork. All of these skills are transferable into the workplace and have helped me succeed in my career.What would you say to a woman or girl who is thinking about giving rugby a go? Why not? Unless you give it a go you’ll never know how much enjoyment you could have. Who wouldn’t want to have fun, get fit and make new friends. Rugby can give you all three.Try rugby this week! Scottish clubs are welcoming new and returning players to free sessions during Women’s Sport Week from 3-9 October. Check out what is happening near you here and get along and give rugby a go.Women and girls can also sign up on scottishrugby.org to kick start their involvement in what is a unique game for all shapes, sizes and abilities. There are plenty of ways to get involved from coaching to refereeing and volunteering as well as playing.