Rugby Nova Scotia Announces 2025 Regional Academy Program Leads
With the 2025 Academy Fundamentals programs set to begin in November across Nova Scotia, Rugby Nova Scotia is proud to introduce the outstanding coaches who will lead each Regional Academy this season.
These Regional Academy Program Leads will oversee programming and athlete development in their respective regions — setting the tone for culture, teamwork, and technical excellence within the Academy system. Working alongside a talented group of assistant coaches, they’ll help create environments where athletes can learn, compete, and love the game 💙
🌲 Bridgewater Academy – Joanna Alphonso
Joanna Alphonso brings elite-level experience and powerful leadership to the Bridgewater Academy. A three-time AUS Most Valuable Player (2015–2017) and two-time U SPORTS First-Team All-Canadian, Alphonso was a dominant force with the StFX X-Women, leading them to an undefeated 6–0 season in 2017 while scoring 10 tries for 50 points.
Described by longtime StFX coach Mike Cavanagh as “the epitome of a leader – one of the best all-around players I’ve ever coached,” Alphonso’s combination of athletic power, defensive strength, and deep game understanding made her one of the most respected players in Canadian university rugby.
Now, as Head Coach at Park View Education Centre and Assistant Coach with the Senior Women’s Keltics, Alphonso continues to inspire athletes through her example. She also serves as a Mentor in the 2021 National Black Female Coach Mentorship Program, using her platform to elevate representation and empower the next generation of female and Black coaches.
🌾 Windsor Girls Academy – Ashley Brooker
Ashley Brooker leads the Windsor Girls Academy after years of success growing rugby across the Valley region. As Provincial Head Coach for the U16 and U17 Women’s Keltics and Rugby Development Director for the Valley Rugby Union, she’s helped build strong pathways from grassroots to high performance.
A former StFX, Team Atlantic, and Nova Scotia Senior Women’s Keltics player, Brooker has also coached at the university level as an Assistant Coach with Acadia Women’s Rugby. She’s recognized for her strategic approach, organization, and mentorship of young coaches, and has been instrumental in creating inclusive and sustainable rugby programming throughout the region.
Brooker’s commitment to community connection and player development makes her a cornerstone of rugby in the Valley — a builder of programs, people, and pride.
🔥 Windsor Boys Academy – Axel Lawrence
Leading the Windsor Boys Academy is Axel Lawrence, one of Nova Scotia’s most respected rugby minds. Currently the Provincial Head Coach for the U19 Men’s Keltics, President of the Valley Rugby Union, and Head Coach at Horton High School, Lawrence brings decades of experience as both a player and educator.
A World Rugby Coach Educator and Bluenose U18M Technical Lead, he has also served as Head Coach of Acadia Men’s RFC and captained the Senior Men’s Keltics in multiple fixtures. Known for his technical precision, discipline, and ability to connect with players, Lawrence’s coaching philosophy is built on structure, accountability, and growth.
He continues to play a pivotal role in advancing male athlete pathways across the province — leading with purpose, passion, and pride in every team he builds.
🌊 Dartmouth Academy – Lysa McGrath
Lysa McGrath continues to be a driving force for women’s rugby in Nova Scotia as Head Coach of both the U18 and U19 Women’s Keltics, and the 2025 Atlantic Selects U19 Women’s team. A StFX alumna, McGrath also leads the Auburn Drive High School Girls Rugby Program and serves as an Assistant Coach with the SMU Women’s Team.
Featured by Sport Nova Scotia as an inspirational leader, McGrath is a graduate of the Black & Indigenous Coach Mentorship Program and a passionate advocate for representation in sport. She emphasizes inclusion, empowerment, and personal growth as core elements of her coaching.
McGrath guided Nova Scotia’s U18 Women to an Atlantic Championship title and continues to mentor athletes to find both confidence and character through rugby. Her strength as a coach lies in building teams where athletes feel seen, supported, and unstoppable.
💪 Halifax Boys Academy – Brinten Comeau
Brinten Comeau, captain of the Senior Women’s Keltics, brings international playing experience and proven leadership to her role as Head Coach of the Halifax Boys Academy. A two-time Rugby Nova Scotia Senior Female Athlete of the Year (2023, 2024), Comeau recently completed a season with Bath Rugby Club in England’s Women’s Championship South 1.
A former UPEI Panther, Comeau earned recognition as AUS Rookie of the Year (2018), AUS MVP (2022), and a U SPORTS All-Canadian. Known for her defensive intensity, high rugby IQ, and ability to elevate team culture, she has been described by her UPEI coach as having “a tremendous ability to dictate the pace and inspire those around her.”
Now transitioning from player to coach, Comeau focuses on developing confident, resilient athletes who bring energy and unity to the field — leading with the same drive that defined her playing career.
🌟 Halifax Girls Academy – Emma DeLory
As Performance Coach for Rugby Nova Scotia, Senior Women’s Keltics Head Coach, and a key architect of the province’s athlete pathway, Emma DeLory continues to shape high-performance rugby across the region.
DeLory has led Team Nova Scotia at two Canada Games (2022 & 2025) and the U19 Atlantic Selects, and served as Team Manager for Canada at the 2021 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. Selected to the World Rugby Gallagher High Performance Academy, she represents Canada among the sport’s most promising international female coaches.
Known for her athlete-first leadership and thoughtful approach to performance, DeLory believes in self-awareness, empathy, and connection beyond the game as cornerstones of success. She continues to build programs and environments where athletes — and coaches — can thrive.
💙 Our Academy coaches are the backbone of the provincial pathway — developing skill, confidence, and a lifelong love for the game.
