Johannesburg – The United Rugby Championship (URC) has opened applications for its 2027 Women’s Leadership Academy (WLA), offering 50 young women aged 18 to 26 an opportunity to develop careers in the global sports industry.
Applications opened on Thursday, 5 November, and will close on 30 November 2026.
Now entering its fifth year, the CVC-supported programme has been running since 2023 and aims to equip aspiring female sports leaders with skills, mentorship, professional networks and practical experience.
The academy is open to young women from anywhere in the world, with successful participants taking part in live online workshops and mentoring sessions led by leaders from sport, business and media.
URC CEO Martin Anayi said the academy had become one of the organisation’s most significant initiatives.
“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.”
Anayi said the programme was already producing tangible results, with some graduates going on to work alongside the URC at matches and major events.
“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,” he said.
The 2027 intake will feature speakers and mentors from organisations including the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), World Rugby, Formula E, Major League Soccer, the National Women’s Soccer League, SuperSport and Scottish Rugby.
Among the confirmed speakers are WTA vice-president Ann Austin, World Rugby’s Deirdre O’Sullivan, SuperSport presenter Motshidisi Mohono, Formula E chief media officer Michaella Snoeck, former WWE co-president Michelle Wilson and Scottish Rugby match official Hollie Davidson.
The programme covers areas including broadcasting, communications, leadership, sustainability, event management and sports business.
At the end of the programme, one participant will be named the Academy’s Most Valuable Participant (MVP), receiving an opportunity to gain work experience at the URC Grand Final, as well as an internship opportunity within the global sports industry.
The initiative’s Impact Project will also provide graduates with professional networking, work experience placements, major sporting event opportunities and further skills development.
CVC Foundation Director of Philanthropy Ashley Keenan said the programme was designed to create tangible opportunities for young women seeking careers in sport.
“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.”
Keenan said partnerships were also helping expand the opportunities available to participants.
“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.”
The URC said CVC funding also helps address financial barriers that can prevent young women from accessing career opportunities, including costs linked to travel, accommodation and participation.
The 2027 programme will build on the 2026 initiative by expanding opportunities through the URC’s international stakeholder network, targeted career development and collaborations with organisations including the Kolisi Foundation and WTA Foundation.
Applicants are required to submit a short video biography outlining their passion for sport, career ambitions and reasons for wanting to join the academy.
The programme is free.
Applications can be submitted through the URC Women’s Leadership Academy application portal, with enquiries directed to [email protected].
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
