Emily Chancellor hard at work as Howden Women’s Coaching Scholarship recipient

Emily Chancellor has been making her mark as the 2026 recipient of the Howden Women’s Coaching Scholarship, an initiative of Sydney University Football Club and Premium Sponsor, Howden.

A long-standing Sydney University player, Wallaroos leader and recently appointed NSW Waratahs Women’s captain, Emily brings an outstanding rugby pedigree and a deep connection to the club community. Having first taken up rugby while studying at the University of Sydney, Emily’s journey has taken her from the Jack Scott Cup and university sevens program through to the Wallaroos, the NSW Waratahs and professional rugby opportunities overseas.

Through the scholarship, Emily has been hard at work developing her coaching pathway, contributing to SUFC’s women’s program and helping inspire the next generation of players and coaches.

The Howden Women’s Coaching Scholarship was established by Howden and SUFC to create meaningful coaching pathways for women in Australian rugby. The program provides paid assistant coaching opportunities, elite mentoring, education courses and accreditation support, while helping grow the next generation of female coaches across SUFC, village clubs and regional NSW.

Since the beginning of this season, the program has already made strong progress against its coaching development targets. Two of four planned coaching education courses have been completed, with SUFC expecting to run more than five across the year. SMART Rugby accreditation has also seen strong uptake, with 34 of the annual target of 40 already achieved. Country clinics are also being progressed at Kinross Wolaroi School in Orange, extending the program’s reach beyond Sydney and into regional rugby communities.

Howden is proud to support the scholarship as part of its broader partnership with Sydney University Football Club. As SUFC’s Official Insurance Partner, Howden is helping strengthen the club on and off the field, while backing initiatives that support player development, coaching capability and long-term community impact.

Howden’s commitment to rugby also extends well beyond SUFC. As one of the game’s major supporters globally, Howden will help make history as Series Title Partner of the first-ever Howden British & Irish Lions Women’s Series, with the inaugural Women’s Lions Tour heading to New Zealand in 2027.

Howden is also helping businesses within the SUFC network challenge complacency when it comes to insurance. With local Australian expertise backed by global strength, Howden works with businesses to review their insurance arrangements, identify gaps and deliver tailored advice across insurance and risk.

SUFC members, supporters and partners are invited to get in touch with Howden to see whether their business qualifies for a free, no obligation insurance health check.