World Rugby Announces Launch of Women in Rugby Careers Programme for 2026

World Rugby has launched the Women in Rugby Careers Programme for 2026, which they say, reinforces their “ongoing commitment to strengthening leadership and career pathways for women across the global game.”

A 2025 pilot for the programme was delivered under the Impact Beyond 2025 legacy initiative, and supported more than 100 women from 56 countries to upskill and progress within rugby.

This evolved programme will continue to offer targeted career development, skills training, and global networking opportunities, helping women working or volunteering in rugby to enhance their pathways both on and off the field said the sport’s governing body.

World Rugby Chief of Women’s Rugby Sally Horrox said: “Building on the successes of Impact Beyond 2025, it is fantastic to see the Women in Rugby Careers Programme evolving and reaching more women around the world who see rugby as a pathway for growth and opportunity.

By equipping participants with confidence, skills and networks, the programme plays a vital role in strengthening pathways across the game and advancing our ambition to create equal opportunities for women and girls, both on and off the field.”

What Does The Women in Rugby Careers Programme 2026 Consists of?

There are 250 places available, and the open application process has been designed to encourage strong international diversity and representation – you can find more information on the programme here.

Participants will benefit from a supportive and inclusive learning environment, access to global experts, and opportunities for meaningful peer-to-peer connections across the rugby community. 

There will be 7 interactive virtual webinars, delivered between April and November 2026 (monthly on a Wednesday, first at 7.30am GMT and again at 4.00pm GMT to accommodate the various time zones).

Topics will include:

• Self-awareness and transferable skills
• Communicating with confidence
• Building your network
• Working with others: Relationship management and stakeholder engagement
• Influencing others and negotiation skills
• Strategic thinking

Who is the Programme Is For?

Applications open on Thursday, 12 February and close on Thursday, 26 February 2026.

• If you are a woman working or volunteering in rugby
• You have a minimum of 2-3 years’ experience in rugby to demonstrate commitment and investment in the sport
• You have aspirations to progress your career within the rugby ecosystem
• You have access to your own IT equipment and to the internet/ wi-fi to attend online Zoom webinars (e.g. laptop, phone, tablet)

Women’s Rugby News 2026

• What The Teams Said – Singapore and Philippines Reactions to SEA Women’s XVs Championship 2026.
• SEA Women’s XV Championship 2026 – Tournament Preview.
• Royce Chan Moves Into HKCR Girls’ & Women’s Rugby Development Lead Role.
• Ruby Tui – ‘I See Things As A Sign That It’s Only Going To Get Better’.