The Vodacom United Rugby Championship (VURC) has announced the return of its Women’s Leadership Academy (WLA) 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 eight in 10 seek access to mentoring and career development opportunities, the VURC 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.
To find out more about the URC WLA watch this video : How To Kick Start Your Career In Sport | URC Women’s Leadership Academy 2026 – YouTube
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 VURC 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.
This year’s confirmed speakers include:
- Ann Austin – VP Community Development & Charitable Programmes, 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.
Said United Rugby Championship CEO Martin Anayi: “The Women’s Leadership Academy has become one of the most meaningful initiatives we’ve created at the URC. 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 VURC 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.”
