URC Opens Applications for Women's Leadership Academy
The United Rugby Championship is accepting applications for its free 2027 Women's Leadership Academy, which will select 50 women aged 18-26.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Other Sports
Applications for the 2027 URC Women's Leadership Academy opened on 5 November 2026 and close on 30 November 2026. The programme will select 50 women aged 18-26 from around the world at no cost to participants.
Why it matters
The programme is aimed at strengthening leadership abilities, building industry knowledge and developing professional relationships for young women in rugby and sport. CVC's support is intended to remove financial barriers to participation.
The players
United Rugby Championship (URC)
The URC is a professional rugby union competition involving teams from South Africa, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Italy.
CVC
CVC is a global private equity firm that supports the programme and helps cover travel, accommodation and participation costs.
The details
Applicants must submit a short video biography outlining their background and goals. Participants take part in live, interactive online workshops and mentoring sessions, and one participant will be recognised as Most Valuable Participant at graduation, earning practical work experience at the URC Grand Final and an internship opportunity.
Timeline
2023: Programme launched.
5 November 2026: Applications opened.
30 November 2026: Applications close.
Season Trajectory
The 2027 intake extends the URC Women's Leadership Academy, now in its fifth year after launching in 2023, into a new cohort of 50 participants. The next phase is set to widen career development opportunities through the URC's international network.
Women aged 18-26 interested in the programme must submit a short video biography before applications close on 30 November 2026. The programme is free and CVC helps cover travel, accommodation and participation costs for selected participants.
The takeaway
Women interested in leadership careers in rugby should review the eligibility requirements and prepare their video biography ahead of the 30 November 2026 deadline. The programme's free structure removes cost as a barrier to entry.
What happens next
Applications close on 30 November 2026, and the 50 selected participants will then take part in the programme.
Further reading
For more on rugby and other competitions, see the Other Sports section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Bona Magazine.
