Jacoby recently retired from playing rugby after an illustrious career that included 37 test caps for the USA Eagles and appearances in all 3 of the USA’s Rugby World Cup matches. The prop also featured in Premiership Women’s Rugby in England for Loughborough Lightning and Exeter Chiefs, and in the Super W for the Queensland Reds.
Jacoby’s role will span forwards coaching for HKFC’s Women’s Premiership and Premiership A teams (HKFC Natixis Ice and HKFC Natixis Fire) and coaching within Hong Kong China Rugby’s pathway and performance programme.
“I’m very inspired and motivated by the amount of investment and support Hong Kong is putting into the women’s rugby programmes, and not only just women’s rugby, but also in developing pathways from youth to senior level.”
Her appointment is the second appointment specifically for women’s rugby at HKFC, as she joins forces with former Wasps Women’s player Hannah Edwards, who joined HKFC last year as the Head of Women’s and Youth. When asked about the appointment, Edwards remarked:
“We’re thrilled to have Charli involved in our Programme. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience across the game and energy unmatched.”
Whilst her playing career has been the priority in recent seasons, Jacoby brings experience that is complimented by both education and coaching. Jacoby holds a master’s degree in education and has roughly 10 years of experience in the Chicago public schools, working with diverse communities. She also coached the Chicago Lions Women’s 15s team as Head Forwards Coach and Defence Coach in 2023.
Jacoby arrives in Hong Kong in mid-October and will be hoping to use her vast experience to build on the recent success of HKFC Natixis Ice – who have won 2 league titles in 3 years but have fallen short in 3 consecutive Grand Championship finals to rivals SG Valley RFC.
“I’ve played alongside of so many other capped internationals that you learn from the best of the best. I’m playing alongside players like Ilona Maher and Charlotte Caslick and played across players like Hannah Botterman. I’ve been able to take the different styles and adapt them into my own personal playing philosophies, and now into my own coaching philosophies and how I would like to coach a forward pack.”
Congratulations Charli, we cannot wait to welcome you to Hong Kong!
