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About Empire Rugby Academy
Launched in April 2025, Empire Rugby Academy is the UAE’s first female-only performance rugby academy. Led by an experienced all-female coaching team, we provide a clear pathway for ambitious athletes to shine at school, club, national, and international levels.
Our programs combine high quality coaching, strength & conditioning, and masterclass sessions with access to global rugby pathways and mentors. Empire is proud to be at the forefront of driving the growth and excellence of women’s rugby in the UAE.
Our Philosophy
Empire Rugby Academy aims to develop talented players in a positive, high-performance environment where ambition meets opportunity. Our sessions are built around creating meaningful experiences that challenge players, build confidence, and support long-term growth, on and off the pitch.
We empower athletes to embrace challenges, work together, and take charge of their development. Our holistic approach equips them with the skills and mindset to succeed in rugby and beyond.
Our Programs
One vision. A pathway for every female player in the UAE.
Our Sponsors
Our Partners
Jess
Weaver
Head Coach & Founder
“Empire Rugby Academy is a programme I am deeply passionate about and incredibly proud of. After moving to Dubai in August 2024, I recognised the need for a structured and supportive rugby pathway dedicated solely to girls in the UAE. For me, Empire is more than just an academy, it’s a community where female athletes feel empowered, confident, and inspired to become the best versions of themselves both on and off the rugby field.”
Playing and Coaching Experience:
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56 caps for Loughborough Lightning in the Premiership Women’s Rugby League
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Capped for England on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Toulouse 2022
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Represented Great Britain in Hamburg at the Rugby Europe Championship 2023
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Captained England U18 vs Wales in 2019
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Current U18 Dubai Exiles Girls’ Head Coach
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Currently undertaking my Level 3 World Rugby Coaching Qualification
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Qualified Physical Education Teacher
Kylie
Masur
Strength & Conditioning Lead
“Being a part of Empire Rugby Academy, a female-driven rugby academy, is an incredible honour. As a mom of two little girls, I’m especially passionate about the opportunity to grow the game from the grassroots level and help develop and provide pathways for young female athletes. Empire not only offers professional rugby support but also a strong sense of community, and I’m proud to be involved in a program that empowers and uplifts girls through sport.
As the Strength and Conditioning Lead Coach for the academy, my mission is to empower young female athletes. I strive to equip them with the knowledge and confidence to lift weights effectively, fuel their bodies properly, and take ownership of their physical development, key pillars of their success both on and off the field”.
Playing and Coaching Experience:
• Dubai Phoenix Rugby player
• 2x Dubai 7s winner
• Capped for the UAE Women’s Sevens Team in 2021, 2022, and 2024
• Strength and Conditioning Coach to the Dubai Warriors (Dubai 7s U19 Gulf Cup Champions 2024)
• Qualified Physical Education Teacher
• Qualified Personal Trainer, Strength & Conditioning Coach, and Prenatal & Postpartum Coach
Alex
Wallace
Coach
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"Joining the academy has been an amazing chance to share my love for rugby and help shape the next generation of athletes. The girls bring so much energy and drive, it keeps me motivated to grow as a coach and mentor. It’s also pretty special to be part of a programme that not only develops talent but connects these players to opportunities around the world. Dubai’s quickly becoming a standout hub for girls’ rugby, and it’s exciting to help build that from the ground up.”
Playing and Coaching Experience:
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Played for Sale Sharks in the Premiership Women’s Rugby League
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Capped for Scotland in the 2019 Autumn International Tests
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Trained with the Scotland Squad ahead of the 2020 Six Nations
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Qualified Physical Education Teacher
Matias Recondo
Manager
I very excited to be joining Empire Rugby Academy as a Manager from the 26/27 season onwards. Rugby has always been a true passion of mine, it’s more than just a sport; it’s a way of life that has shaped my values, mindset, and appreciation for teamwork and discipline.
Being a Parent for the first year of the Academy, what stood out to me about was the passion and commitment of the people involved. It was clear that the Empire team shares the same love for rugby that I do, if not more. That level of dedication creates an environment where everyone is driven to grow, improve, and support one another.
What I find especially inspiring is Empire’s focus on creating opportunities for girls in rugby, not just to play, but to develop as individuals. The academy is committed to supporting their growth as well-rounded people, placing emphasis on key areas such as fitness, skill development, and a healthy approach to diet. This holistic approach helps build confidence, resilience, and life skills that extend far beyond the pitch.
Playing and Coaching Experience:
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Played for 10 years in Club Universitario de Buenos Aires
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World Rugby Level 1 Coach
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Assistant coach for U8, U13’s Mixed Rugby for Dubai Hurricanes
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Head Coach of U16 Girls Dubai Hurricanes for last 3 seasons
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Head Coach of U18 & U16 Girls Dubai Hurricanes season 2026-2027
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Currently Playing in Dubai Hurricanes in the Vets Team
Georgia
Barber
Coach
“I’m extremely passionate about supporting the growth of Women’s Rugby, particularly in the UAE and providing opportunities to those based in Abu Dhabi. Coaching with Empire has been incredibly rewarding, seeing so many girls building confidence and strength both on and off the pitch!”
Playing and Coaching Experience:
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Represented UAE Women’s Rugby 7s team at the Asia Rugby 7s Series (2024 & 2025)
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Named Vice-Captain for the UAE Women’s team
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Abu Dhabi Harlequins Women’s Player of the Year (2022, 2024, 2025)
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Represented Middle East Touch at the Touch Rugby World Cup (2019 & 2024)
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Junior Touch Rugby Championship Finalist (2017)
Kyle Browne
Coach
Being allowed to play a small part in the Empire journey has been a real highlight of my coaching career so far. Being able to help develop the skillsets of so many exceptional young rugby players is so rewarding and the passion and desire the girls show is amazing. The UAE women’s rugby scene is in a very strong place largely down to what has been created at empire.
Playing and Coaching Experience:
- Former semi professional in the Scottish super series for Heriots RFC
- Rosslyn park 7’s winner as a player and coach
- Premier grade rugby player for Silverdale RFC (NZ)
- North Harbour u19’s
- Dubai 7’s winner
- Current Dubai premiership player
Epeli Davetawalu
Coach
Helping coach at Empire Rugby Academy is a privilege and an opportunity I value greatly. I am passionate about creating an environment where every player feels supported, challenged and inspired to reach their potential.
My coaching approach is built around care, accountability, honesty and integrity. I believe rugby develops far more than playing ability, it builds confidence, resilience, leadership and strong relationships. Seeing young players grow both on and off the field is one of the most rewarding parts of coaching.
I am proud to support Jess in building girls rugby pathway at Empire Rugby Academy and to continue playing a part in the development of girls’ and women’s rugby across the UAE.
Playing Career:
Fiji U19 — 2008
Fiji U20 — 2009
Fiji Warriors and Fiji Barbarians — 2011–2012
UAE Sevens Representative
UAE XVs Representative
Coaching Highlights:
Exiles U19 Girls — Dubai 7s Champions, 2021
Dubai College Girls — Two-time Emirates Dubai 7s Champions
Sri Lions — Dubai 7s International Open Champions, 2024
Dubai Phoenix Women — Dubai 7s Gulf Women’s Champions, 2024
Current UAE U18 Girls Coach
Our Coaches
Chloe Andrews
U18 and U20 UAE Captain
This academy has really helped to improve my overall fitness and rugby skills, which I think has really shown in my performance. It's also such a great environment of lots of girls who want to play rugby, this has allowed me to create new friendships and connect with other players. As well as this, we have had universities come in, professional players zoom calls, this all shows us rugby does not stop in Dubai. Jess has really helped with creating a pathway for us all to continue playing at university and throughout life. Training is also always fun and challenging and i've loved being part of a big sisterhood!
Matilda Hall
Former Empire player - Now continuing her rugby & studies at Loughborough College
The academy has helped me learn different aspects of the game which I’m going to be needing in preparation for Loughborough College. I really enjoyed all the varied training on the pitch and in the gym which helped my performance throughout the term. Being in this academy helped give me the opportunity to play with HammerHead 7s this summer, allowing me to experience 7s at a higher level in the UK.
Hannah Granelli
Abu Dhabi Harlequins player
The academy improved my skills with focused training and helpful advice on my playing, mental game, and nutrition. I especially liked when guest coaches came because they brought an advanced perspective of the game.
Parent
Testimonial
The academy has been very educational for my daughters. I appreciate how they have learnt not only the physical aspects of rugby, but the nutritional aspects as well, along with interacting with guest coaches. They have been more inspired to pursuit rugby and also gain more overall experience
Parent
Testimonial
As a parent, the academy has continued to develop her love of the game. She has grown as a player and it has helped to increase her confidence. The coaches are in tune with women’s rugby, not only in the UAE, but worldwide. Their passion and dedication are inspirational to our girls.
Parent
Testimonial
Being part of Empire Rugby Academy has been such a positive experience for my daughter. She’s not only developed her rugby skills but has gained so much confidence training alongside other motivated girls. The coaches, Jess and Kylie, are incredibly supportive and truly invested in the girls’ growth. From learning new techniques to understanding the importance of nutrition, strength, and goal setting, this program offers so much more than just sport. It’s empowering, inspiring, and exactly what young female athletes need.
Testimonial
