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USA Women’s Rugby Team Announces Squad for World Cup Kickoff in England

by Luis Mendoza - Sport Editor

USA Women‘s Eagles Announce World Cup squad, Ready to Challenge england

August 20, 2025 – Sunderland, England

the USA Women’s Eagles are set to compete in the Rugby world Cup 2025, with a 23-player squad assembled to confront host nation England in their opening match. Over 40,000 tickets have already been sold for the highly anticipated game,scheduled for Friday,august 22nd,at 2:30 pm ET,broadcast live on Paramount+.

Squad Proclamation and Key Players

Head Coach Sione Fukofuka has revealed a roster featuring 11 players who will be making their Rugby World Cup debut. Among the newcomers are Keia Mae Sagapolu, Tahlia Brody, Emily Henrich, and Ilona Maher, all named to the starting XV. Alivia Leatherman, Paige Stathopolous, Rachel Ehrecke, Freda Tafuna, Cass Bargell, Kristin Bitter, and Sariah Ibarra will provide impact from the bench.

The USA team, currently ranked 10th globally, faces a challenging Pool A alongside the world’s number one team, England, and also Australia and Samoa.This year’s tournament is the 10th edition and features an expanded format with 16 participating teams.

Player Name Club
Hope Rogers Exeter chiefs
Kathryn Treder Loughborough Lightning / Bay Area Breakers
Keia Mae Sagapolu Loughborough Lightning
Tahlia Brody Loughborough Lightning
Erica Jarrell-Searcy Sale Sharks
Cate Ealing Trailfinders
Georgie Perris-Redding Sale Sharks
Rachel Johnson Exeter Chiefs / Denver Onyx
olivia Orthiz Sale Sharks
McKenzie Hawkins Denver Onyx
Buloo Monitor Loughborough Lightning / Bay Area Breakers
Alev Kelter Loughborough Lightning / Bay Area Breakers
Ilona Maher Bristol Bears / USA Sevens
Emily Henrich Leicester Tigers / Boston Banshees
Lotte Sharp Saracens
Paige Stathopoulos Ealing Trailfinders / Boston Banshees
Relief Leatherman trailfinders / Twin Cities Gemini
Charli Jacoby Exeter Chiefs / Queensland Reds
Rachel Ehrecke Denver Onyx
Freda Tafuna Lindenwood University
Cassidy Bargell Boston Banshees
Kristin Bitter Denver Onyx
sariah Ibarra USA Sevens

did You Know? The Women’s Rugby World Cup has grown significantly in prominence, with the 2025 edition being the largest to date, featuring 16 teams competing for the title.

Coach Fukofuka’s Strategy and Expectations

Coach Fukofuka emphasized the team’s focus on executing their game plan and applying pressure to england. He acknowledged England’s status as the world number one and the added pressure of playing on home soil, stating that the USA team is approaching the match with quiet confidence. “We expect them to be physical, accurate and confident for the full 80 minutes,” Fukofuka noted, “but we are confident we also have a strong set piece platform.”

He further highlighted the intensive selection process and training camps at Mt St Mary’s and loughborough University, emphasizing the dedication and hard work of the players who earned their place on the squad. The team’s journey continues with subsequent pool stage matches against Australia and Samoa in York.

Match Day Atmosphere

The opening match promises a vibrant atmosphere at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, with a pre-game performance by chart-topping English singer Anne-Marie. The match will be the biggest stage yet for the Women’s Rugby World Cup, drawing a large crowd and a global television audience.

Pro Tip: Keep up-to-date with the latest scores and highlights by following USA Rugby on social media and checking the official Rugby World cup website.

The Growth of women’s rugby

women’s Rugby has experienced substantial growth in recent years, with increased participation numbers and viewership globally. World Rugby’s initiatives have played a key role in promoting the sport and providing opportunities for female athletes. This growth is reflected in the expanded format of the Rugby World Cup and the increasing competitiveness of teams worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions


What are your predictions for the USA Women’s Eagles at the Rugby World Cup? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What strategic advantages does the blend of veteran players and emerging talent offer the Women Eagles in the Rugby World Cup?

USA Women’s Rugby team Announces Squad for World Cup Kickoff in England

The United States Women’s National Rugby Team has officially announced its 30-player squad set to compete in the Rugby World Cup, kicking off this fall in England. This highly anticipated announcement marks a pivotal moment for USA Rugby and its ambitions on the international stage. The team, nicknamed the “Women Eagles,” boasts a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent, poised to challenge the world’s best.

Squad Breakdown: Key Players and Positions

The roster reflects a strategic approach to covering all key positions, emphasizing both power and agility. Here’s a look at some notable inclusions:

Forwards: Key forwards include veteran prop Hope Briggs, known for her scrummaging strength, and dynamic flanker Kaityln Roach, a tackling machine. The forward pack will be crucial for securing possession and dominating the set pieces.

Backs: The backline features experienced fly-half Alev Kelter, a playmaker renowned for her tactical kicking and distribution skills.Center Joanne fa’avesi brings a powerful running game and defensive prowess.

New Caps: Several exciting new faces have earned their place in the squad, including promising winger Jordan Gray, adding fresh energy and potential to the team’s attacking options.

A full list of the selected players can be found on the USA Rugby official website (https://www.usarugby.org/).

Tournament Schedule & Key Matches

The Women Eagles are grouped in a challenging pool alongside[InsertPoolOpponentsHere-[InsertPoolOpponentsHere-research needed for accurate opponents]. Their opening match is scheduled for[InsertDate&TimeHere-[InsertDate&TimeHere-research needed for accurate details]against[InsertOpponentHere-[InsertOpponentHere-research needed for accurate details]at[InsertVenueHere-[InsertVenueHere-research needed for accurate details].

here’s a tentative look at their group stage schedule:

  1. [Date] vs. [Opponent] – [Venue]
  2. [Date] vs. [Opponent] – [Venue]
  3. [Date] vs. [Opponent] – [Venue]

Fans can find the complete tournament schedule and broadcast data on the Rugby World Cup official website (https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/). Following the pool stages, the top teams will advance to the knockout rounds, culminating in the World Cup Final.

Coaching Staff & Team Strategy

Head Coach Josie Zilberman has emphasized a game plan focused on aggressive defense, quick ball movement, and capitalizing on scoring opportunities.zilberman, appointed in[YearofAppointment-[YearofAppointment-research needed], has instilled a culture of resilience and teamwork within the squad.

Key coaching staff members include:

Forwards Coach: [Name-[Name-research needed]

Backs Coach: [Name-[Name-research needed]

Strength & Conditioning Coach: [Name-[Name-research needed]

The team’s preparation has included rigorous training camps, competitive matches against international opponents, and detailed analysis of their rivals. A focus on set-piece dominance and breakdown efficiency will be critical to their success.

USA Rugby’s Road to the world Cup: Recent Performance

The USA Women’s Rugby Team has consistently ranked among the top nations in women’s rugby. Their recent performances include:

2021 Rugby World Cup Qualification: Successfully qualified for the 2025 World Cup through a dominant performance in the Americas Rugby Women’s Championship.

Americas Rugby Women’s Championship: Finished[Position-[Position-research needed]in the 2024 Americas Rugby Women’s Championship, showcasing their regional competitiveness.

International Friendlies: A series of international friendlies against[Opponents-[Opponents-research needed]provided valuable match experience and allowed the coaching staff to assess player combinations.

Benefits of Women’s rugby & Growing Popularity

The increasing popularity of women’s rugby is a testament to the sport’s athleticism, physicality, and inclusivity. Benefits of participating in rugby include:

improved Fitness: Rugby demands a high level of cardiovascular fitness, strength, and agility.

Teamwork & Leadership: The sport fosters strong teamwork skills and provides opportunities for leadership advancement.

Mental Resilience: Rugby challenges players to overcome adversity and develop mental toughness.

Community: Rugby clubs offer a strong sense of community and camaraderie.

The growth of the women’s game is attracting a wider audience,with increased media coverage and sponsorship opportunities.This positive trend is contributing to the development of the sport at all levels.

Practical Tips for Fans Following the World Cup

For fans eager to support the Women Eagles during the Rugby World Cup:

Follow USA Rugby on Social Media:

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