The United Rugby Championship has announced the return of its Women’s Leadership Academy for 2026 — a global initiative supported by CVC that continues to redefine access and opportunity for women pursuing careers across the sports industry.
Launched to challenge the stark reality that 92% of women face barriers when entering the sports industry and 8 in 10 seek access to mentoring and career development opportunities, the URC Women’s Leadership Academy has become a transformative platform for young women determined to shape the future of sport.
Now entering its fourth year, the programme has already supported aspiring young women from across the world, connecting them with influential leaders, mentors, and decision-makers in sport. Many graduates have gone on to secure roles in elite performance, broadcasting, event management, and sports governance — evidence of the Academy’s growing global impact.
Fifty successful applicants (aged 18–26) will be selected to participate in a series of high-impact online workshops and mentoring sessions designed to build leadership, confidence, and professional skills.
Participants will graduate with the chance to be named the “MVP” (Most Valuable Participant) — earning exclusive work experience at the URC Grand Final 2026 and an internship within the global sports industry.
This year’s Academy will once again feature a world-class line-up of speakers and mentors — leading women from across global sport, business, and media who are volunteering their time to empower the next generation.
Ann Austin – VP Community Development & Charitable Programs, Women’s Tennis Association (USA)
Deirdre O’Sullivan – Head of Operations & Regional Competitions, World Rugby (Ireland)
Elma Smit – Account Director and Presenter, Whisper / Lions Productions and The Good, The Scaz & The Rugby (South Africa/UK)
Hollie Davidson – Scottish Rugby Union Match Official (UK)
Matthew Thoma – Senior Digital Channels Manager, United Rugby Championship (UK)
Michelle Wilson – Former Co-President, WWE and CVC Global Sport Group Advisor (USA)
Motshidisi Mohono – Presenter, SuperSport (South Africa)
Niamh O’Connor – CEO, Western Force Rugby (Australia/Ireland)
Shira Kilgallon – Executive Producer, The Good, The Scaz & The Rugby at Platform Media (UK)
Sue Butler – Head of Sport, S4C Television (UK)
Together, these leaders represent excellence across the sports industry. They bring lived experience, global insight, and a shared belief in opening doors for the next generation.
“The Women’s Leadership Academy has become one of the most meaningful initiatives we’ve created at the URC,” said CEO Martin Anayi.
“Every year, we meet extraordinary young women whose passion, intelligence, and creativity challenge how the sports industry thinks and operates.
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.
The WLA shows that when we invest in women, the whole industry becomes stronger, more creative, and more inclusive.”
“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,” added Jane Howard, Vice President of Philanthropy at CVC
Applications for the 2026 URC Women’s Leadership Academy are now open and close on 30 November 2025.
Eligible women aged 18–26 from anywhere in the world are invited to apply by submitting a short video biography explaining why they want to join the programme at wla.unitedrugby.com
Image Credit: United rugby Championship
Further Reading for Sport for Business members:
Read our Sport for Business Coverage of Women in Sport
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