Ilhaam Groenewald has been appointed as SA Rugby's first female executive council member.

Groenewald, along with the returning Monde Tabata, will serve as independent members of the exco and will attend their first meeting in Cape Town next week.

Groenewald succeeds Mputumi Damani as one of two independent members of the 12-person executive council.

'My passion is sport management and development so when I was asked if I was happy to have my name put forward, I had no hesitation,' Groenewald said. 'I know SA Rugby has a very good story to tell and they are working hard to change the shape of the sport, as well as converting misplaced perceptions about it. I am excited to be joining them to offer experience and support in that process.'