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.
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.”
Applications for the 2027 URC Women’s Leadership Academy opened on November 5 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: [email protected]