MEET OUR TEAM

ROBIN MACDOWELL

DIRECTOR OF RUGBY

Born and raised in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, Robin MacDowell is a former Rugby Canada international and athlete-centred coach with over 27 years of experience. After pursuing a professional rugby career in France and Italy, he returned to Canada to play for the University of Victoria and represent Canada on the World Sevens Series, including the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

Robin has coached across all levels—from grassroots to international—including youth, provincial, and national programs. He spent five years leading the Mexican Women’s National Sevens team, including the 2018 Rugby World Cup 7s, and has worked with Canada’s Men’s and Women’s Sevens pathway programs for the past six years. He is passionate about helping athletes reach their full potential at every stage of their journey.

ALEJANDRO CHAVEZ

HEAD COACH

Alejandro has been a Mexican National team rugby player since 2007 and currently captains the Mexico 7s National team. He has an impressive player and coaching resume having assistant coached the Mexican Women’s 7s team at the 2018 Rugby World Cup, the U19 and U16 Mexico regional teams as well as coaching at the University level. In addition, Alejandro was the Rugby Mexico General Manager from 2018 to 2022, helping grow the game and developing player pathways in Mexico.

AVI SHARABI

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

Avi comes from a strong rugby background being a three time National Champion with BC Rugby, having played varsity rugby for the UVIC Vikes, and combines with excellent education and experience working with high performance athletes. Avi graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a minor in Psychology, additionally, she has worked for 4 years as a strength and conditioning coach with developmental, varsity and professional athletes.

SHERRY SPENCE

HOMESTAY COORDINATOR

Sherry Spence has been a longstanding advocate and supporter of women's rugby in the Cowichan Valley. She has been a player, coach, and volunteer at the Cowichan Rugby Football for many years - paving the way for the thousands of junior girls that come through the program. Sherry is also the Cowichan Secondary Girls Head Coach, having been in the role for over 5 years and working one on one with many of our Island Academy athletes who compete at the highschool, club, regional, and provincial level. We are thrilled to have Sherry as our homestay coordinator as there is no one better to connect prospective students to rugby families in the area.