Retired World Netball (WN) CEO, Clare Briegal and current WN Vice President, Shirley Hooper have both been recognised in New Years Honours lists for their services to sport, including netball.
Briegal, who was WN CEO for a decade before stepping down from the role in 2024, was awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Kings New Year Honours 2026, whilst Hooper, who was re-elected for a second term as WN Vice President in 2025, was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM).
Congratulating both on their awards and thanking them for their services to netball, WN President Dame Liz Nicholl DBE said: “I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of everyone at World Netball to congratulate both Clare and Shirley on their recent very well-deserved recognition in the New Years Honours lists.
“During Clare’s 10-year tenure, she took World Netball to new heights, notably leading on the re-brand of the federation from the International Netball Federation to World Netball, as well as creating our new strategic plan in 2021 seeing us grow, play and inspire.
“Shirley continues to play an instrumental role in the growth of World Netball, particularly in the current work on the new Global Events Strategy with her marketing experience invaluable to us.
“Congratulations and thank you to you both.”