Empire Rugby Academy Triumphs at Portugal Youth Festival

Apr 20, 2026

66 min

Apr 20, 2026 07:30

Dubai’s Empire Rugby Academy win big on international stage

## A Historic First Tour

Empire Rugby Academy, established just last year as the UAE's first female-only high-performance rugby program, has achieved remarkable success on its inaugural international tour. The academy participated in the Portugal Rugby Youth Festival, a prestigious 15s tournament featuring teams from around the world.

## Overcoming Challenges

Despite facing numerous obstacles such as flight cancellations and disruptions in the UAE, the academy's determination ensured their participation. The team, comprising 39 players and four guests from Loughborough College, arrived in Lisbon ready to compete.

## Impressive Performances

The U15 team, led by Neve Lamont, started strong with a 19–0 victory over Dumfries Saints and concluded the group stage with a 31–0 win over Centro. They continued their winning streak in the finals, ultimately defeating Kilkenny 14–12 to become Cup champions.

The U18 team, captained by Chloe Corby, faced tough competition but secured a 50–0 win against Centro. They advanced to the Trophy play-offs, where they triumphed over Thunder with a 29–12 victory.

## Recognition and Awards

Empire Rugby Academy was honored as the Fair Play Team of the Tournament, reflecting their sportsmanship and positive attitude. Hayden Gibbs received the U15 Player of the Tournament award for his outstanding performances.

This successful tour marks a significant milestone for the academy, highlighting their potential on the international stage.

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