Eagles Fall to Canada in World Cup Send-Off

USA Women’s XV Focused on Improvement Ahead of Rugby World Cup Opener

The USA Women’s Eagles concluded their pre-Rugby World Cup preparations with a challenging 42-10 defeat against world #2 Canada in Ottawa. Despite a strong start, the Eagles conceded 28 unanswered points in the second half, highlighting areas for crucial development as they head to England.

Mixed Performance in Final Tune-Up

The Eagles began the match with purpose, scoring within the first two minutes through a powerful drive finished by **Freda Tafuna**. For much of the first half, USA maintained possession and pressured Canada, forcing turnovers and limiting the home side’s ability to organize. A penalty goal from **McKenzie Hawkins** extended their lead before Canada closed the gap just before halftime, taking a slim 14-10 advantage.

“We were really excited coming into the game. We spent three weeks working really hard through the Fiji campaign, and took some big strides forward. The first half showed a lot of that, we were competitive early and built a nice lead, putting ourselves in a good position.”

—Sione Fukofuka, Head Coach

Canada, however, found their rhythm in the second half. A try early in the period, followed by another from replacement **Olivia Demerchant**, shifted the momentum decisively. Canada’s ability to control possession and exploit space on the wings proved too much for the Eagles, who struggled to respond offensively.

Focus on Consistency and Discipline

Head Coach **Sione Fukofuka** acknowledged the team’s early success but stressed the need for greater consistency across both halves. “What we did well we’ll keep reinforcing, and the areas where we came up short in the second half will be about making sure we go back to our process, go back to our execution and allow ourselves to create opportunities to score points,” he stated.

Discipline emerged as a key concern, with the USA committing 20 penalties throughout the match. This lack of composure will be a primary focus in the upcoming training camp.

“We talked about it after the first try and at half time, Canada is a top-two team and we showed them that we can score. They’re able to be beaten, we just have to put a game together. Hats off to our team for scoring in 90 seconds, I’m honestly very proud of them for that. This makes us more battle harden for the England game, which is going to be even louder and more physical, but we can’t wait for it.”

—Kate Zackary, Captain

Looking Ahead to the Rugby World Cup

Despite the loss, the Eagles’ performance showed promising flashes, particularly their aggressive start and early scoring. The team departs for England tomorrow to continue their preparation for the Rugby World Cup 2025. Their tournament opener is scheduled against host nation England on August 22nd at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland. The match is anticipated to draw over 50,000 spectators, providing an electrifying atmosphere for the Eagles’ campaign kickoff.

The USA Women’s Eagles squad for the match against Canada included:

The coaching and support staff accompanying the Eagles to the Rugby World Cup include:

• Head Coach, Attack + Backs: Sione Fukofuka
• Assistant Coach, Defense: Sarah Chobot
• Assistant Coach, Forwards + Attack: Mel Bosman
• Head of Athletic Performance: Charles Dudley
• Analyst: Callum Howells
• Lead Physiotherapist: Alice Mae
• Athletic Trainer: Sam Malette
• Team Doctor: Derek Hatfield
• Performance Psychologist: Scott Goldman
• Team Manager: Alana Gattinger
• Team Services: Aiyana Gilliard
• General Manager, High Performance: Tamara Sheppard
• Media Manager: Jenni Burke

USA Women’s Eagles Rugby World Cup 2025 Match Schedule

• USA v England: August 22 | 2:30 pm ET | Stadium of Light, Sunderland | Paramount+
• USA in Australia: August 30 | 2:30 pm ET | York Community Stadium, York | Paramount+
• USA in Samoa: September 6 | 8:30 am ET | York Community Stadium, York | CBS, Paramount+

Quarterfinals Begin September 13.

Eagles Soar: USA Women’s Rugby Unveils RWC 2025 Squad

Historic Selection in Nation’s Capital Kicks Off New Era

Washington D.C. witnessed a landmark moment for American rugby as USA Rugby announced the official squad for the Rugby World Cup 2025. This pivotal announcement, part of the organization’s 50th Anniversary celebrations, signals a new chapter for the Women’s Eagles on rugby’s grandest stage.

Record-Breaking Stage Set for Women’s Rugby

The upcoming World Cup is poised to be the largest ever for women’s rugby, with over 330,000 tickets already sold, more than doubling previous attendance records. With matches broadcast on CBS and streamed on Paramount+, the Eagles aim to captivate and inspire the next generation of athletes.

“This Rugby World Cup isn’t just about us — it’s about showing the next generation what’s possible. We want kids across the U.S. to see this team and think, ‘That could be me.’ Rugby in America is growing, and we’re here to kick that door wide open.

—Kate Zackary, Captain

“This squad is driven and ready to rewrite our story. We have the opportunity to play the sport we love at the highest level — and we don’t take that for granted – and are relentless in it’s pursuits. We’re here to elevate each other and push beyond every limit, together.”

—Kate Zackary, Captain

Veteran Leadership Meets Emerging Talent

The team’s selection reflects the deepening talent pool in U.S. women’s rugby. Following a strong quarterfinal finish in the 2021 tournament, the Eagles are determined to make an even greater impact. Legendary USA Eagle Jamie Burke, who recently had her caps record surpassed by current squad member Hope Rogers, made the announcement.

Hope Rogers, now holding an impressive 54 caps, will compete in her fourth Rugby World Cup, a testament to her dedication and skill as a Loosehead prop.

“We have a squad full of strong, powerful women who have stories of sacrifice and commitment to the game of rugby. We are excited to turn all of those individual stories into team success. We will celebrate Hope Rogers in her fourth Rugby World Cup who joins an esteemed number of players to play in four tournaments. It is a testament to her work ethic and commitment to being the best Loose head in the world, that she has managed to not only play in four Rugby World Cups, but also to stand out for the Eagles across the past 12 years.

—Sione Fukofuka, Head Coach

“This USA Women’s Eagles squad is a combination of players with multiple Rugby World Cup’s experience and exciting players about to play in their first World Cup. We have a strong emphasis on our work rate, physicality and the ability to compete in all aspects of the game, and we have deep belief in our potential as a team.

—Sione Fukofuka, Head Coach

“As a team, we are excited about the possibility of playing to our potential and unlocking the style of rugby that we feel we are able to play. We want to change the game in the US, which includes putting on performances that highlight the strengths of the US and allow our players to go out there and express themselves by being direct, creating opportunities and converting these into points.

—Sione Fukofuka, Head Coach

“The Rugby World Cup is a platform that we hope will help put rugby at the forefront of the Women’s Sporting landscape in the US. In the lead up to the 2033 World Cup in the US, we want young girls watching the game changers on the field in the US jersey and get excited to one day be what they can see.”

—Sione Fukofuka, Head Coach

Tune In: Key Matches and Broadcast Details

The Eagles’ preparation includes a match against Fiji on July 19th, followed by a trip to Canada for a final friendly on August 1st. The Rugby World Cup 2025 campaign kicks off on August 22nd with a highly anticipated clash against host nation England. The team will also face Australia and Samoa in Pool A.

Fans can catch the Women’s Eagles’ journey through the tournament, with all matches available live on Paramount+ starting August 22nd. For example, the opening match against England will be broadcast at 2:30 pm ET on Paramount+.

The coaching and support staff for the RWC 2025 campaign include Head Coach Sione Fukofuka, Assistant Coaches Sarah Chobot and Mel Bosmam, and a dedicated team of athletic performance, medical, and management professionals.

Upcoming Fixtures

• USA v England – August 22, 2:30 pm ET (Paramount+)
• USA v Australia – August 30, 2:30 pm ET (Paramount+)
• USA v Samoa – September 6, 8:30 am ET (CBS, Paramount+)

Quarterfinals commence on September 13.