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United States women's national rugby union team

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Article Genealogy
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United States women's national rugby union team
CountryUnited States
UnionUSA Rugby
NicknameEagles
EmblemBald eagle
CoachMilton Haig
CaptainKate Zackary
CapsPhaidra Knight (37)
Top scorerAshley Bisset (291)
Most triesVanesha McGee (27)
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United States women's national rugby union team, known as the Eagles, represents the United States in international women's rugby union. Governed by USA Rugby, the team competes in major tournaments including the Women's Rugby World Cup and the Women's Rugby Super Series. They are perennial contenders in the World Rugby Women's Rankings and have developed fierce rivalries with nations like England, New Zealand, and Canada.

History

The team's formal history began in 1987 with a match against Canada. They made their Women's Rugby World Cup debut in the 1991 inaugural tournament, finishing as runners-up to England. A period of growth followed, highlighted by hosting the 1994 Women's Rugby World Cup and securing the inaugural Women's Rugby World Cup Sevens title in 2009. The professional era saw increased competition in the Women's Six Nations and the creation of the Premier Rugby Sevens league, with players like Jenny Kronish and Kristen Thomas becoming central figures. Recent campaigns have focused on qualifying for the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup through the World Rugby Women's Rankings and the Rugby Americas North Women's Championship.

Team image

The team's primary colors are navy blue, red, and white, reflecting the national flag. Their emblem features the Bald eagle, a symbol of the United States. Home matches are frequently held at Titan Stadium in Fullerton, California, and Infinity Park in Glendale, Colorado. The team's identity is closely tied to USA Rugby's development pathways, including the Women's Premier League and the collegiate championship. Key apparel partnerships have been with Nike and Canterbury of New Zealand.

Results and fixtures

Recent notable results include matches in the 2023 Women's Rugby Super Series and the 2022 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. The team regularly competes in the Pacific Four Series against New Zealand, Australia, and Canada. Upcoming fixtures are part of the qualification process for the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup, with key games in the Rugby Americas North Women's Championship. Historic performances include a victory at the 2017 Women's Rugby World Cup and the 2019 Women's Rugby Super Series.

Players

Notable current players include captain Kate Zackary, fly-half Katana Howard, and prop Hope Rogers. Historic legends are Phaidra Knight, a World Rugby Hall of Fame inductee, and record try-scorer Vanesha McGee. The player pool is largely drawn from domestic competitions like the Women's Premier League and collegiate programs such as Penn State and Cal Berkeley. Many athletes also have experience in World Rugby Sevens, including Naya Tapper and Ilona Maher.

Coaches

The current head coach is Milton Haig, appointed in 2022. Previous influential coaches include Rob Cain, who led the team at the 2021 Rugby World Cup, and Pete Steinberg, a key figure in the early professionalization era. The coaching staff integrates specialists like Kate Daley for defense and Julie McCoy for skills development. Coaching philosophy emphasizes the high-tempo style seen in the World Rugby Sevens Series and the Premier Rugby Sevens circuit.

Records

The team's record cap holder is Phaidra Knight with 37 appearances. The all-time leading point scorer is Ashley Bisset with 291 points, while Vanesha McGee holds the try-scoring record with 27. Their highest World Rugby Women's Rankings position is fourth, achieved in 2019. The record victory was a 121-0 win over Hong Kong in 2005. Notable individual accolades include Phaidra Knight's induction into the World Rugby Hall of Fame and Hope Rogers being named World Rugby Women's 15s Player of the Year nominee.

Honours

The team's major honour is winning the 2009 Women's Rugby World Cup Sevens. They were runners-up at the 1991 Women's Rugby World Cup and finished fourth in the 2017 Women's Rugby World Cup. They have won multiple Rugby Americas North Women's Championship titles. In sevens, they have earned medals at the World Rugby Sevens Series, including a championship at the 2019 USA Women's Sevens in Glendale, Colorado.

Category:Rugby union in the United States Category:Women's national rugby union teams Category:USA Rugby