- New Defender Breakthrough Bursary launched to support the next generation of young players within the rugby girls’ and boys’ pathway
- Research shows financial pressures present a risk to young, talented rugby players wishing to pursue careers in both the men’s and women’s game
- Bursary will prioritise young players across England, with a majority of beneficiaries expected to be girls
Defender today announces the Defender Breakthrough Bursary, a new national initiative created to help young players stay in rugby at the point where many leave the sport due to financial strain.
Run in partnership with England Rugby (RFU), the bursary supports players in the U18 age group, within PREM Rugby Academies and girls in the RFU Player Development Groups, where training intensifies, travel increases and associated costs rise. By easing these pressures, the bursary aims to keep more talented young people progressing through the pathway — particularly those who may otherwise step away from the sport.
In support of the RFU’s recently released ‘Plan 2030: More Than A Game’ strategy, Defender are committed to playing their role in supporting the next generation of rugby talent. The end goal is to create consistently winning England teams with players who have had access to world-class training and coaching.
The launch follows research showing that a third of female pathway players (34.2%) find participation harder due to cost, while 38.1% cite family working patterns as a barrier. Many young players report increased travel, equipment and nutrition needs as ongoing challenges.
A new source of support for young players
Launching for the 2026/27 season, the annual bursary will provide £20,000 in Year One, supporting 20 players. While open to all eligible pathway athletes, the anticipated split is 75% girls and 25% boys, reflecting current needs and challenges facing both boys and girls’ rugby within the system.
Funding will cover essential costs including travel, food and nutrition, and equipment — giving players the practical support required to stay committed to the sport they love.
Red Roses World Cup winner and Defender Ambassador Ellie Kildunne welcomed the programme, saying: “Rugby gave me my sense of identity, but staying in the sport at a young age isn’t always easy. Travel costs, kit, nutrition – it all adds up, and it can put huge pressure on families. This bursary tells young players, especially girls, that they are seen, valued, and deserve the chance to push for their breakthrough moment.”
Applications will be via Academy and Player Development Group leads and will be live later this summer. A selection panel featuring representatives from Defender, and the RFU will review submissions.
Leonie Raistrick, Director, Defender (UK), said: “Defender and the RFU are teaming up to help remove one of the biggest barriers for young female players; the cost of staying in the game. Affordability is pushing girls out of rugby, and the Defender Breakthrough Bursary is here to change that. With £20,000 of support in its first year, the programme will help 20 players stay on their pathway in 26/27. A joint Defender-RFU panel will review applications this summer to keep promising young players in rugby when they need support most.”
Supporting the wider talent pathway
The bursary aligns with the RFU’s longterm ambition to strengthen participation and retention in the women’s and girls’ pathway, ensuring more young players can continue at the moment they are most vulnerable to dropping out.
Alex Teasdale, Executive Director of Women’s Game at RFU, said: “The Defender Breakthrough Bursary directly supports our ambition to strengthen our pathways, particularly for women and girls’. By addressing affordability – one of the clearest barriers identified in the research – this programme will enable more talented young players stay in the game who are at risk of leaving it.”
A continuuing commitment from Defender
The programme builds on Defender’s long-standing partnership with England Rugby, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to impact-led investment in youth sport. Through grassroots activity, ambassador expertise and meaningful financial support, Defender aims to help the next generation of players progress based on their passion and potential — not their postcode or income.
With thanks to the RFU
