Jess Wooden for ARPTC /// Photo: Carisa Weaver •
There’s value in leaving the U.S. and experiencing high-level rugby in other countries. England’s Women’s Premiership (WP) has been a popular destination for Americans, but southern hemisphere countries like Australia and New Zealand also continue to attract players looking for a challenge. Fall 2016 is the final 15s season before the Women’s Rugby World Cup player pool is decided, and a concentration of hopefuls are testing themselves abroad.
England has welcomed Jess Wooden and Ashley Perry, both longtime residents at the American Rugby Pro Training Center (ARPTC) who have also represented the U.S. national teams. Perry relocated to the OTC earlier this year and earned her caps as a 7s prop. Wooden is a 15s fullback and returned to her second consecutive Super Series squad in July. Both were active this summer as they helped ARPTC at the club 7s national championship.
For Wooden, the idea of playing overseas had been brewing for some time, as she referenced Eagle Molly Kinsella’s 2013-14 stint with the Richmond Lions. The opportunity she was waiting for finally arrived in the form of Scottish international Fiona Sim, who was visiting the U.S. They connected through mutual friends, and soon enough, Wooden aligned with Sim’s WP team, the newly formed Harlequins, which merged with the Aylesford Bulls this year.
“I am hoping to learn as much as I can from the amazing coaching staff we have here, as well as all the players that are here,” Wooden detailed her hopes for the next few months. “Also, [I’m] excited to live in a different country and experience a different culture.
Wooden indicated that there are approximately eight different nationalities represented on the Harlequins team, and that diversity of playing backgrounds will only aid the Eagle’s growth. Wooden will remain in England until the end of November (the WP final is in April) and could potentially play against ARPTC teammate Perry on Oct. 30, when the Harlequins play the Wasps.
Eagle flyhalf Kimber Rozier is reportedly playing in England as well, although details have not been ascertained. In the southern hemisphere, Life West’s Jennifer Sever has already represented Counties Manukau in New Zealand’s National Provincial Competition, aka Farah Palmer Cup. We’ll be keeping track of the Eagle center, as well as other Americans abroad, as the season continues.