Cape Town – The United Rugby Championship (URC) has opened global applications for the 2026 edition of its Women’s Leadership Academy (WLA), a programme aimed at breaking down the systemic barriers young women face when entering the sports industry.
The Academy, supported by CVC, returns for its fourth year with a mission to challenge what the URC describes as “the stark reality” facing women in sport — that 92% encounter barriers to entry, while eight in ten seek access to mentorship and career-building opportunities.
“The Women’s Leadership Academy has become one of the most meaningful initiatives we’ve created at the URC,” said URC CEO Martin Anayi.
“Every year, we meet extraordinary young women whose passion, intelligence, and creativity challenge how the sports industry thinks and operates.”
Anayi said the programme is already yielding measurable results. “What makes this programme so powerful is the real, measurable impact it’s already having.
Six of our WLA graduates are now part of the URC Global Content Team — and they are thriving. That’s the kind of transformation we want to inspire — where opportunity meets talent and everyone benefits,” he said.
“The WLA shows that when we invest in women, the whole industry becomes stronger, more creative, and more inclusive.”
Expanding global reach
The 2026 Academy will select 50 women aged 18–26 from across the world to participate in a series of online workshops and mentoring sessions designed to build leadership, confidence and professional skills.
Graduates will stand a chance to be named “Most Valuable Participant” (MVP), earning exclusive work experience at the URC Grand Final 2026 and an internship within the international sports industry.
Now recognised as a gateway into elite performance, broadcasting, event management and sports governance, the Academy has supported women from multiple continents, connecting them with senior decision-makers and industry leaders.
World-class speakers confirmed
This year’s line-up features leading figures from global sport, media and business, including: Ann Austin (WTA, USA)
Deirdre O’Sullivan (World Rugby, Ireland)
Elma Smit (Whisper / Lions Productions, SA/UK)
Hollie Davidson (Scottish Rugby Union, UK)
Michelle Wilson (former Co-President, WWE, USA)
Motshidisi Mohono (SuperSport, South Africa)
Niamh O’Connor (CEO, Western Force Rugby, Australia/Ireland)
Sue Butler (Head of Sport, S4C Television, UK)
These women, along with other mentors, bring what the URC describes as “lived experience, global insight, and a shared belief in opening doors for the next generation.”
CVC’s continued backing
CVC, a long-term supporter of the initiative, reaffirmed its commitment to expanding opportunities for women through the Academy.
“CVC has championed the Women’s Leadership Academy from the start, as it helps create lasting pathways for women to lead and thrive across sport,” said Jane Howard, Vice President of Philanthropy at CVC.
Applications now open
Applications opened on 14 November 2025 and will close on 30 November 2025.
Eligible women aged 18 to 26 are invited to submit a short video biography outlining why they want to join the programme at wla.unitedrugby.com.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
