Now the rest of the country knows what an extraordinary asset she is as well.
Charles was named volunteer of the year at the New Zealand Rugby Awards last night.
It was well-deserved recognition for her work in promoting the game at the grassroots level.
She has been an unyielding advocate for the women’s game.
It is not just talk with Charles, either. She was involved in coaching both the club’s women’s sides this season, and has been key in providing a safe and welcoming environment at the club.
Charles was also heavily involved in the successful Otago under-18 campaign at the South Island girls tournament.
She is also the secretary of the club, a delegate on the Metro Women’s Advisory Board, manager of the Otago women’s development team and liaison for visiting Farah Palmer Cup teams.
Charles has been involved in community rugby for more than 20 years, and previously played for the club.
The Otago Rugby Football Union, in its submission to New Zealand Rugby, wrote: "Cathy is not afraid to break down barriers and provide an opportunity for everyone to participate in the game of rugby.
"She is passionate about the game, but more so about the people involved and relationships that form by being involved in community sport.
"It is not by chance that Alhambra-Union has fielded very competitive women’s rugby teams over many years, but a true reflection of the dedication and commitment that Cathy has given to the sport, her club and the players."
Alhambra-Union chairman Gary Wheeler said Charles had worked tirelessly in all her roles at the club.
“Cathy has been the leading light in the growth in numbers of our women’s players, which is testament to the passion and hard work that Cathy has put in over many years."
Black Ferns co-captain and World Cup winner Ruahei Demant collected three major prizes last night, including the supreme Kelvin Tremain Memorial player of the year.
Demant was also named Black Ferns player of the year and Tom French Memorial Maori player of the year. Her team-mates were also recognised with the Black Ferns named team of the year.
Black Ferns coach Wayne Smith was named coach of the year in a nod to the huge impact he made after being appointed as director of coaching in April.
Doctor Deb Robinson got the outstanding contribution award for her work over the years as the team doctor for Canterbury and the Crusaders, the Black Ferns Sevens, the All Blacks and the Black Ferns. Most recently, Robinson joined the World Rugby Council as New Zealand Rugby’s first female representative.
For the second year in a row, loose forward Ardie Savea was named All Blacks player of the year, while Ngarohi McGarvey-Black won the All Blacks Sevens player of the year, and Michaela Blyde took home the Black Ferns Sevens player of the year.
The Wellington Lions were awarded the national men’s team of the year, while Canterbury collected the women’s title.
Crusaders fullback Will Jordan was Super Rugby Pacific player of the year and his coach, Scott Robertson, won the national men's coach of the year.
Chiefs Manawa hooker Luka Connor won the Super Rugby Aupiki player of the year.
Young Otago halfback/first five Maia Joseph was Farah Palmer Cup player of the year, and Canterbury coach Blair Baxter the national women's coach of the year.
North Harbour first five Bryn Gatland was named the best in the NPC, and Ben O’Keeffe was awarded referee of the year for the second straight year.
