50 places up for grabs in global sports leadership academy

The United Rugby Championship has opened applications for its 2027 Women’s Leadership Academy, offering 50 places to young women aged 18 to 26 from anywhere in the world, **Cape {town} Etc **reports.

Now in its fifth year, the CVC-supported programme connects participants with senior figures across sport, media and business through live online workshops and mentoring.

Picture: Supplied

Confirmed speakers include:

• Ann Austin

  -VP Community Development & Charitable Programs, Women’s Tennis Association (USA)

• Alicia Sedgwick

  -Communications Coach and Author (France/UK)

• Courtney Carter

  -Chief Revenue Officer, Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) & Seattle Reign FC (NWSL) (USA)

• Deirdre O’Sullivan

  -Head of Operations and Regional Competitions, World Rugby (Ireland)

• Elma Smit

  -Account Director, Whisper / Lions Productions and The Good, The Scaz & The Rugby (UK/South Africa)

• Hollie Davidson

  -Scottish Rugby Union Match Official (UK)

• Matthew Thoma

  – Senior Digital Channels Manager, United Rugby Championship (UK)

• Michaella Snoeck

  – Chief Media Officer, Formula E (UK/South Africa)

• Michelle Wilson –

  Former Co-President, WWE and CVC Global Sport Group Advisor (USA)

• Motshidisi Mohono

  -Presenter, SuperSport (South Africa)

• Sophie Colville

  -Event Specialist (UK)

Graduates have gone on to work at URC matches and major events, with one standout each year named MVP and offered work experience at the URC Grand Final plus an industry internship.

Picture: Supplied

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URC CEO Martin Anayi called it ‘one of the things I’m most proud of at the URC,’ adding: ‘To now see some of those women working alongside us at our matches and major events is incredibly rewarding.’

Picture: Supplied

CVC’s Ashley Keenan said the Academy* ‘gives young women the skills, confidence and connections to build a career’*** in sport**, with funding removing financial barriers like travel and accommodation costs.

Watch the video below to find out more:

The free programme requires a short video application explaining the applicant’s passion for sport and career ambitions.



• Apply:

  Applications close 30 November 2026 at

  wla.unitedrugby.com/application.

• Email Enquiries:

  [email protected]

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Also read:

The value of supporting women in sport

**Picture: **Supplied

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