Leicester Tigers are delighted to announce a formal partnership with international rugby development and education institution UXi Sport.
As a result of this agreement, the UXi Leicester Tigers International Women’s Rugby Institute will launch in 2025 and will operate from the club’s Oaks Park training ground.
This partnership will aid both organisations in the progression of women’s rugby regionally and internationally, with the South African-based UXi Sport a world leader in individual rugby development.
The UXi Rugby Institute offers a high-performance rugby development programme alongside internationally accredited academic qualifications.
World Cup winning Springbok stars Kurt-Lee Arendse and Grant Williams are both graduates of the UXi programme, which has helped players and coaches launch successful careers on and off the pitch. The alumni list includes over 90 professional rugby union players and professional coaches at international and club level.
UXi has six existing institutes and each has a commitment to inclusivity and rugby for all. These institutes opened their doors to women from all backgrounds and abilities to build careers in rugby union.
This international partnership and the opening of an institution with Leicester Tigers helps increase the scope of the UXi system as well as offering a ground breaking programme that is focused on the women’s game, with a facility solely dedicated to the development of women’s rugby based out of Leicestershire.
Speaking about the partnership, Leicester Tigers Chief Executive Officer Andrea Pinchen said: “We’re excited to announce a partnership between UXi and Leicester Tigers and thrilled to be embarking on this initiative with UXi Sport, to provide opportunities for women and girls.”
“To align with an organisation with such proven success in developing players and coaches as both rugby players and people is something we are very proud to be doing and are excited to champion this ground breaking programme.
“The UXi Leicester Tigers International Women’s Rugby Institute will provide a multitude of opportunities to develop the tremendous untapped talent that exists in our region and builds on the hard work a lot of people have put in place in the last few years in the women’s game, here at the Club.
“This partnership furthers the expansion of opportunities provided through our Premiership Women’s Rugby team, our pathway programme at Lichfield and Brooksby College and our increased work in schools and club to help get more young girls to play rugby than ever before.
“This will be mutually beneficial to all involved and we can’t wait to see how the institution progresses over the coming years.”
COO of UXi Sport, Thea Miller, concluded: "We're thrilled to partner with Leicester Tigers, a club with a rich history and passion for the sport.
"This collaboration embodies our shared vision for growing women's rugby and providing opportunities for talented individuals to thrive.
"Our UXi Leicester Tigers International Women’s Rugby Institute will offer a world-class development programme, combining high-performance rugby training with internationally accredited academic qualifications.
"We invite aspiring players and coaches to join us on this exciting journey, and we're confident that together, we'll make a lasting impact on the sport."
The partnership is expected to begin in September 2025 with the UXi Leicester Tigers International Women’s Rugby Institute set to first open their doors in Leicestershire. Send a query or register your interest online at www.uxitigers.co.uk
