But Australian National Committee for UN Women executive director Julie McKay believes two Brumbies board members have already redefined the role of women in elite sport.

The Brumbies are the first club in Super Rugby to have two female board members – Carmel McGregor and Lisa Thorburn – and Moore is an ambassador for the UN International Women's Day on Sunday.

The Brumbies were part of the HeforShe campaign this week, speaking out in support of gender equality. It's a stance made more significant following the Wallabies' woes last year when Beale sent a lewd message to former team business manager Patston, which led to the Australian side being accused of misogyny.

"Everything that happened at that time [with Beale and Patston] was unfortunate ... it wasn't something we were happy about and it was a disappointing period," Moore said.

"For the most part of my time in rugby, the idea of women having equal opportunities in our sport has been really positive, both at a playing level and administrative. I think we have to drive and push for equal opportunities. Women play a huge role in our sport at every level and we need to acknowledge that."

Rugby's reputation was tarnished afterthe incident with Beale, which led to the star playmaker being suspended and fined $45,000.

But McKay believes Moore's role as an International Women's Day ambassador is a step to changing people's perception of females in sport. "There have been some behavioural issues in the Wallabies and the sport did have a tough time," McKay said.

"But the important thing is that in the code there are a lot of really good men who are standing up for issues like violence against women and gender equality. Showcasing those guys and having them say to the young people that we want the standard to be different is the first step. I think Steve and some of his teammates are really brave.

"It's not easy as a young man or sport star to stand up and say 'Hey, I really care about gender equality'. But their voices are very powerful. If young men see leaders and sporting idols behaving poorly, they'll replicate that."

McGregor became the first female board member in Brumbies history when she was appointed to the position at the end of 2013. Datacom chief executive Thorburn joined her this year, making the Brumbies the only Super Rugby club to boast two women on the board.

Former deputy secretary for the Department of Defence McGregor is also on the board for the Australian National Committee for UN Women.

"There's a lot of research that show that diverse teams make better decisions," McKay said. "In terms of the future of the Brumbies, it's going to be brighter if there's more diversity. It's a fantastic step to have two women and building more women into the governance structure. To be part of rugby, you don't have to be a male player. Carmel and Lisa have helped redefine what it means to be a woman in rugby."

Brumbies players Moore, Nic White, Sam Carter, Joseph Tomane and Scott Fardy have all joined the joined the HeforShe campaign. Moore wants the sport to end the perception of "a boys club".

"It's really important to push for gender equality and making sure women get the opportunities they deserve in the work place and in sport," Moore said.

"The women's game is growing rapidly in women's global rugby. I'd like to think they get all the opportunities we get to experience in rugby. The Bulldogs [NRL club] have a female chief executive in Raelene Castle, so I definitely think you'll see more women in high-profile positions and rightly so. It's reflective of society as well.

"It comes down to leaders driving a culture ... we probably acknowledge the supporting role that women play in sport with your mother or your wife. But this is about women having opportunities to excel in the workplace and achieve at the highest level.

"When you've got a daughter and three sisters, you get exposed to it and we all need to be aware of it. By the time my daughter reaches a certain age, I'd like to think what's being done now can make a difference for her and any females getting equal opportunities."