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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
Two branches. 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
Dubai Branch 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
Georgia
Barber
Abu Dhabi Branch 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)
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.
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