As part of an ongoing governance review, the IWRF Board has appointed Susan Ahern as its first independent judicial chair.

She is set to assist the development and management of the governing body's independent judicial processes, and will also be responsible for the appointment and management of IWRF's judicial officers.

Ahern has a track record of strategic development of judicial processes during her time as World Rugby disciplinary officer and head of legal and legislative affairs.

An experienced barrister and international arbitrator, she also serves on the Court of Arbitration for Sport. 

In total, Ahern has over 20 years’ experience in sports law and and implementing sports regulations. 

She has extensive experience as a practitioner and arbitrator in the areas of misconduct, foul play, anti-doping, integrity, eligibility, and commercial sports dispute resolution. 

"I am delighted to accept the invitation from the International Wheelchair Rugby Federation to become its first independent judicial chair," Ahern said. 

"I look forward to contributing to the ongoing development of the disciplinary system within the sport to enable it to become a leader in the field internationally."

IWRF President Richard Allcroft welcomed Ahern to the organisation.

"The IWRF is delighted to have attracted such a high calibre person to become our first independent judicial chair and I look forward to her developing and managing our judicial processes as we move towards our strategic goal of 'Strong leadership and effective governance'," he said. 

"As an organisation, we are aiming to be a leader within the Paralympic Movement, and I know that establishing an independent judicial system will go a long way to achieving this."