As preparations ramp up for the upcoming Rugby World Cup, the USA Women’s Eagles stand poised to make history in the nation’s capital, a city steeped in heritage. The official announcement of the squad for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup coincides with USA Rugby’s 50th Anniversary celebration in Washington D.C. This momentous event was streamed live, making it accessible for fans nationwide on the official USA Rugby YouTube channel.
The squad’s announcement signifies a pivotal moment for women’s rugby in the United States. With over 330,000 tickets already sold, this Rugby World Cup is set to surpass previous attendance records for women’s rugby tournaments. The Eagles are ready to take the field, with their matches available for live streaming on CBS and Paramount+, aiming to inspire the next generation of rugby athletes.
“This Rugby World Cup isn’t just about us — it’s about showing the next generation what’s possible,” said Kate Zackary, the squad captain. “We want kids across the U.S. to see this team and think, ‘That could be me.’ Rugby in America is evolving, and we’re here to push that door wide open.”
Driven by a compelling desire to redefine their narrative, the Eagles aim to build upon their 7th place finish in the 2021 tournament. The squad comprises talented players selected from a highly competitive pool, ready to showcase their skills and determination on an international platform.
The unveiling of the squad was performed by Jamie Burke, a legendary figure in USA rugby, who recently saw her record for the highest caps as a women’s eagle eclipsed by Hope Rogers, a current squad member with 54 caps and set to appear in her fourth Rugby World Cup.
Head Coach Sione Fukofuka remarked, “Our squad is filled with strong, powerful women dedicated to the sport. We aspire to translate our individual stories into collective success. Hope Rogers’ achievement in reaching four World Cups exemplifies her commitment and work ethic.”
Fukofuka highlighted that the squad blends experience with fresh faces, stressing their focus on work rate, physicality, and competitive spirit. “We want to elevate the game in the U.S. and will strive to perform in a way that highlights our strengths while creating scoring opportunities,” he added. “This World Cup is a platform to elevate rugby within the women’s sporting landscape in the U.S.”
The Women’s Eagles will kick off their campaign on Saturday, July 19, against Fiji in a double-header event alongside the USA Men’s Eagles facing England. Their match will be broadcasted on CBS and streamed live on Paramount+. Following this, the team will travel to Canada for a final warm-up match on August 1 before embarking on their Rugby World Cup journey.
The Eagles’ Rugby World Cup campaign begins with a much-anticipated match against England, followed by encounters with Australia and Samoa in Pool A. To stay updated on the team’s progress, fans can follow the USA Women’s Eagles on social media and tune into the Women’s Rugby World Cup starting August 22 on Paramount+.
USA Women’s Eagles RWC 2025 Roster:
- Hope Rogers, Prop, Exeter Chiefs – 4th Rugby World Cup
- Maya Learned, Prop, Denver Onyx – 2nd Rugby World Cup
- Charli Jacoby, Prop, Exeter Chiefs / Queensland Reds – 2nd Rugby World Cup
- Keia Mae Sagapolu, Prop, Leicester Tigers / ACT Brumbies – 1st Rugby World Cup
- Catie Benson, Prop, Sale Sharks / Boston Banshees – 3rd Rugby World Cup
- Alivia Leatherman, Prop, Trailfinders / Twin Cities Gemini – 1st Rugby World Cup
- Kathryn Treder, Hooker, Loughborough Lightning / Bay Area Breakers – 2nd Rugby World Cup
- Paige Stathopoulos, Hooker, Ealing Trailfinders / Boston Banshees – 1st Rugby World Cup
- Hope Cooper, Hooker, Bay Area Breakers – 1st Rugby World Cup
- Hallie Taufoou, Lock, Loughborough Lightning / Denver Onyx – 2nd Rugby World Cup
- Erica Jarrell – Searcy, Lock, Sale Sharks – 2nd Rugby World Cup
- Rachel Ehrecke, Lock, Denver Onyx – 1st Rugby World Cup
- Emerson Allen, Lock, Twin Cities Gemini – 1st Rugby World Cup
- Tahlia Brody, Backrow, Leicester Tigers / Denver Onyx – 1st Rugby World Cup
- Rachel Johnson, Backrow, Exeter Chiefs / Denver Onyx – 2nd Rugby World Cup
- Freda Tafuna, Backrow, Lindenwood University – 1st Rugby World Cup
- Kate Zackary, Backrow, Ealing Trailfinders – 3rd Rugby World Cup
- Georgie Perris-Redding, Backrow, Sale Sharks – 2nd Rugby World Cup
- Olivia Ortiz, Scrumhalf, Sale Sharks – 2nd Rugby World Cup
- Cassidy Bargell, Scrumhalf, Boston Banshees – 1st Rugby World Cup
- McKenzie Hawkins, Flyhalf, Denver Onyx – 2nd Rugby World Cup
- Kristin Bitter, Flyhalf, Denver Onyx – 1st Rugby World Cup
- Alev Kelter, Center, Loughborough Lightning / Bay Area Breakers – 3rd Rugby World Cup
- Emily Henrich, Center, Leicester Tigers / Boston Banshees – 1st Rugby World Cup
- Ilona Maher, Center, Bristol Bears / USA Sevens – 1st Rugby World Cup
- Nana Fa’avesi, Center, Denver Onyx – 1st Rugby World Cup
- Gabby Cantorna, Center, Exeter Chiefs – 2nd Rugby World Cup
- Erica Coulibaly, Wing/Fullback, Denver Onyx – 1st Rugby World Cup
- Cheta Emba, Wing/Fullback, Boston Banshees – 2nd Rugby World Cup
- Bulou Mataitoga, Wing/Fullback, Loughborough Lightning / Bay Area Breakers – 2nd Rugby World Cup
- Sariah Ibarra, Wing/Fullback, USA Sevens – 1st Rugby World Cup
- Lotte Sharp, Wing/Fullback, Saracens – 2nd Rugby World Cup
Coaching Staff:
- Head Coach, Attack + Backs: Sione Fukofuka
- Assistant Coach, Defense: Sarah Chobot
- Assistant Coach, Forwards + Attack: Mel Bosmam
- Head of Athletic Performance: Charles Dudley
- Assistant S&C: Ashley Morataya
- Analyst: Callum Howells
- Lead Physiotherapist: Alice Mae
- Athletic Trainer: Sam Malette
- Performance Psychologist: Scott Goldman
- Team Manager: Alana Gattinger
- Team Services: Aiyana Gilliard
- General Manager, High Performance: Tamara Sheppard
- Media Manager: Jenni Burke
Match Schedule:
- USA vs. England: August 22, 2:30 PM ET, Stadium of Light, Sunderland | Paramount+
- USA vs. Australia: August 30, 2:30 PM ET, York Community Stadium, York | Paramount+
- USA vs. Samoa: September 6, 8:30 AM ET, York Community Stadium, York | CBS, Paramount+
The quarterfinals will commence on September 13, as the USA Women’s Eagles continue their quest for glory in this prestigious tournament.
