Rugby Rising: Chicago Takes the Lead
Wednesday, Feb 19, 2025
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Kara Bachman
Kara Bachman is the Executive Director of the Chicago Sports Commission (CSC), a part of Choose Chicago, the official destination marketing organization for the city of Chicago. As Executive Director, she’s responsible for leading Chicago’s efforts in recruiting high-profile, major sporting events that help create visitor demand, drive significant economic impact, create jobs and generate positive media exposure for Chicago.
Joining CSC in January 2012, Bachman was promoted to Executive Director in April 2014. Under her leadership, Chicago has won highly sought-after business with national and international appeal, such as: 2015 ITU World Triathlon Grand Final, the 2015 & 2016 NFL Draft, 2016 Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series, multiple Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournaments, multiple NCAA Championships, including the 2017 NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Championship, 2018 Laver Cup, 2020 NBA All Star, the first-ever NASCAR Chicago Street Race (2023), among others.
Bachman’s influential network extends globally and includes major professional leagues with the MLB, NBA, NHL, NFL and WNBA to some of the highest regarded international federations and national governing bodies, such as FIBA, FIVB, USA Basketball, USA Hockey, USA Rugby, USA Volleyball, World Rugby, etc. Bachman was responsible for bringing the NFL Draft to Chicago in 2015, for the first time in 51 years it was hosted outside of New York City; she's also lured international brands like the New Zealand All Blacks to the Chicago market, driving record-breaking attendance and occupancy rates that benefit locals and visitors alike – including the 2016 test between NZRU and IRFU resulting in the Irish defeating New Zealand at Soldier Field for the first time in 111 years.
A native Chicagoan and life-long athlete, Bachman started her career in sports as part of the Chicago 2016 Olympic Bid Committee. Bachman’s passion for her city and commitment to Chicago’s future is evidenced by her dedication to leadership and the praise of her peers. She was named to Crain’s 40 under 40 Class of 2016, where she was recognized as one of Chicago’s most influential leaders. In 2017, she was named to the Class of 2017 for Leaders Under 40 Awards, a global search for the best talent in the business of sport under the age of 40; and most recently, recognized by Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association (IHLA) with the 2023 Ambassador of Hospitality Award. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame (since 2017). She’s a member of the City Club of Chicago and the Economic Club of Chicago.
Bachman is a graduate of the Quinlan School of Business at Loyola University of Chicago and holds her M.B.A. in International Business and Finance. She earned her B.A. in International Relations from Colgate University and was a member of Colgate’s Division I Women’s Ice Hockey team.
Rory Best
Rory Best OBE is a rugby union player from Northern Ireland and is currently the captain of the Ireland national team. He plays hooker for Ulster and is registered for Banbridge RFC. With over 100 caps for Ireland since making his international debut in 2005, Best is one of the most capped rugby players of all time. Best also toured with the British and Irish Lions side in 2013 and 2017, although he never played a test match for the Lions.
Best returned home to join Belfast Harlequins in 2002 where he captained the team and gained his first Ulster contract in 2004. He made his debut for Ulster as a replacement at home to Munster in the 2005 Celtic League. He replaced his brother (now retired Ireland and Ulster prop Simon) as Ulster captain for the 2007/08 season and continues to hold the position. He is renowned for his abilities as a scrummager. Best scored two tries in 2011/12 and 2010/11 for Ulster. He was part of the Ulster side that was defeated by Leinster in The Heineken Cup final in 2012.
Best made his international debut for Ireland as a replacement against the All Blacks at Lansdowne Road in November 2005 and made his first start against the Springboks in 2006. He has been involved with the national team ever since, initially sharing the number 2 shirt with Jerry Flannery. He was a member of the Irish teams that won the 2007 Triple Crown and was in the Irish squad for the 2007 Rugby World Cup as well as the 2009 Six Nations Championship which completed the Grand Slam. He captained the Ireland team that toured North America in 2009, while many of his Ireland teammates were on the British and Irish Lions team that began their tour of South Africa at the same time. He became the first-choice hooker at the 2011 Rugby World Cup after an injury to Jerry Flannery. Best also played his 50th test for Ireland during the World Cup, scoring a try as Ireland beat the United States during the pool stages. He was chosen to captain Ireland again, during the 2012 Six Nations Championship, after Paul O'Connell was injured.
Dane Coles
Dane Coles is a formidable hooker who is a true giant of the modern game. He's spent his entire senior career with Wellington and the Hurricanes and has also made more than 70 appearances for the All Blacks.
Born 10 December 1986, Dane Coles signed for Wellington in 2007. Due to his impressive performances in the Mitre 10 Cup (now the Bunnings NPC), he was then also signed to play for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby in 2009. Ever since, he has firmly remained a one club man and he's spent his entire domestic career representing the sides.
However, although he's enjoyed a glittering domestic career in New Zealand, Dane Coles is undoubtedly best known for his career as an All Black. Since 2012, he's made more than 70 appearances for the national side, and he's captured a host of honours during this time.
In his All Blacks career, his greatest moment arguably came in 2015, when he helped the side capture the Rugby World Cup. However, although he's captured almost every trophy available at international level, Dane Coles has also achieved a number of personal accolades. For example, in 2016, he was named as the Māori rugby player of the year and was nominated for New Zealand Rugby Player of the Year and World Rugby Player of the Year.
Cameron Good
Cameron Good manages commercial aspects for major rugby events like the World Cup and other large projects. His CA designation allows him to work in a job that aligns with his passion for sports.
Padraig Power
Padraig Power is the Chief Commercial Officer of the Irish Rugby Football Union.
Padraig joined the IRFU as Marketing Manager in 2000 and was promoted to Commercial & Marketing Director in 2008. During his tenure he has developed and manages, on behalf of the IRFU, one of the largest sponsorship portfolios in Irish Sport which includes partnerships with Vodafone, Canterbury, Guinness, Aviva and Aer Lingus.
In addition to all commercial and sponsorship contracts, his new remit will encompass responsibility for the management of the IRFU brand and the development of revenue streams from fresh sources in the digital arena including broadcast, gaming and licensing, ticketing and major event operations.
