World Rugby and Capgemini have today announced the inspiring female leaders from around the world that will participate in the Capgemini Women in Rugby Leadership Programme in 2024 and 2025, driving visibility of female leaders from within the rugby family and helping to accelerate the development of the women and girls’ game, on the road to Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.
From the list of 25 scholars, six have been selected from across Europe to participate
Those on the programme will be granted access to the best learning programmes from the Capgemini University. They will also be paired with a mentor assigned by World Rugby as well as a Capgemini coach, and eligible to apply for an additional discretionary grant of up to £5,000 to help aid their development and learning.
Working closely in collaboration with its unions and regional associations, World Rugby shortlisted the next generation of female leaders within their global rugby pathways. Those nominated are already actively involved with their national union or regional association as a board member, member of staff or volunteer.
The 2024-2025 Capgemini Women in Rugby leadership scholars from Europe:
- Marissa Lowe (England) – Inclusion and Diversity Officer
- Jeanne Teillac (France) – Digital & Communication Deputy Director
- Elena Vallejo López (Spain) – Vice President
- Anete Skrastina (Latvia) – Secretary General
- Nina Vistisen (Denmark) – Volunteer, Coordinator Women’s Rugby Development and head coach of Denmark women's national team
- Hatice Kübra Yılmaz (Turkey) – International Relations Specialist
Due to the volume and high calibre of candidates, World Rugby will be exploring opportunities to provide all applicants with ongoing support and mentorship, continuing to build upon the existing network of outstanding women from within the game. More details will be announced later this year as part of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Global Impact Plan.
World Rugby Chief of Women’s Rugby Sally Horrox said: ”We are thrilled to announce our next cohort of inspirational female leaders in partnership with Capgemini. They will gain priceless learnings and experience through this world class programme, and will inspire many more girls and women from within their unions and regions.”
“It’s also vitally important that we continue to support all of the applicants for the scholarship programme, as we build an exciting network of emerging female talent. These women will become the next generation of leaders in rugby across the world. We look forward to announcing further details, as part of our Global Impact Plan.”
“A huge thank you to our unions and regional associations that helped us to identify these individuals and to Capgemini, who share our vision and passion to increase opportunities for women at all levels of the game. We are already seeing our scholars make a real difference as they progress and take on new leadership roles in rugby. We have no doubt this new cohort will excel over the next 18 months and beyond, as we grow our leadership teams and build towards Women’s RWC 2025.”
Since its launch in 2018, the Women in Rugby Leadership Programme has already awarded 98 scholarships to the next generation of female leaders globally with the aim to support their personal and professional development, increasing the number of women in key positions within unions, and regional associations.
Congratulations to all those selected.
