50 places. A world of opportunity for the next generation of women in sport.
Applications now open and close 30 November 2026.
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The United Rugby Championship (URC) is calling on ambitious young women from around the world to take the next step towards their future in sport, as applications open for the 2027 URC Women's Leadership Academy (WLA).
Because the future of sport needs more women leading it. And every great career begins with someone believing in your potential.
Now entering its fifth year, the CVC-supported Academy has established itself as a powerful platform for aspiring female leaders, helping young women build the confidence, skills, connections and opportunities to pursue meaningful careers across the global sports industry.
Since launching in 2023, the WLA has brought together ambitious women from around the world, connecting them with some of the most influential figures in international sport.
Beyond the workshops and mentoring, the programme is building a growing international community of women who support, champion and open doors for one another. And its impact is extending well beyond graduation.
Fifty successful applicants, aged 18–26, will be selected from around the world to join the 2027 Academy.
Participants will take part in a series of live, interactive online workshops and mentoring sessions led by internationally recognised leaders from across sport, business and media.
At graduation, one standout participant will be recognised as the Academy's MVP (Most Valuable Participant), with the opportunity to gain exclusive work experience at the 2026/27 URC Grand Final, alongside an internship opportunity within the global sports industry.
The 2027 Academy will once again bring together an exceptional line-up of speakers and mentors, generously volunteering their time and expertise to inspire the next generation. |
Confirmed Speakers Include:
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From broadcasting and communications to sustainability, leadership, event management and global sports business, these speakers bring invaluable experience and a shared commitment to helping more women succeed in sport. |
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Martin Anayi, CEO of the United Rugby Championship, said: “The Women's Leadership Academy is one of the things I'm most proud of at the URC. When we started this programme five years ago, we wanted to do something meaningful to help more young women find their way into the sports industry. To now see some of those women working alongside us at our matches and major events is incredibly rewarding. “I see firsthand the energy, enthusiasm and fresh thinking they bring. They're getting valuable experience, but we're gaining just as much from having them involved. That's what makes this programme so special.
“We've always believed that sport should be an industry where talented people can thrive, and if we can play even a small part in opening those doors and helping change what the future of our industry looks like, then that's something worth being proud of.” |
The URC Women's Leadership Academy is about more than inspiring young women to dream big. It is about giving them the opportunity to turn those ambitions into reality.
Through its continued investment in the WLA, CVC is helping to bridge the gap between learning and employment, creating practical pathways for graduates to gain valuable industry experience and build their careers. The Impact Project supports graduates through professional networking, work experience placements, major sporting event opportunities and further skills development.
Crucially, CVC's funding helps remove the financial barriers that can prevent young women from accessing career-defining opportunities, including the costs associated with travel, accommodation and participation.
Building on the success of the 2026 initiative, the next phase will expand opportunities through the URC's international stakeholder network, targeted career development and collaborations with organisations including the Kolisi Foundation and WTA Foundation. |
Ashley Keenan, Director of Philanthropy at CVC said: “At the CVC Foundation, we believe sport can open real opportunities for the next generation. The Women’s Leadership Academy gives young women the skills, confidence and connections to build a career in it.
CVC colleagues around the world have helped make it happen through our Global CVC Challenge, and we’re proud of what that effort is achieving. We’re always happy to connect good work with other good work, as we have with the Kolisi Foundation and the WTA Foundation . For us, that’s what this is all about: creating opportunity.” |
Applications for the 2027 URC Women's Leadership Academy open on 5 November 2026 and close on 30 November 2026.
Young women aged 18–26 from anywhere in the world are invited to apply by submitting a short video biography explaining their passion for sport, their career ambitions and why they would love to join the Academy.
You don't need to know exactly where your career will take you. You just need to be ready to discover what's possible.
Your Future in Sport Starts Here. Apply Now. Apply at: wla.unitedrugby.com/application For enquiries: wla@unitedrugby.com |
