CHULA VISTA, Calif. – As 2020 residency training comes to an end, the USA Women’s Sevens have announced lineups for an end-of-year scrimmage happening Friday, Dec. 4 at 12:30 p.m. PT. The Stars vs. Stripes intrasquad game will be streamed live and for free on USA Rugby’s Facebook.
The exhibition takes place within the team’s training “bubble” which was established when the program re-assembled in mid-August. As such, fans will not be permitted to attend in-person at the Elite Athlete Training Center in Chula Vista.
Coverage will be part of the Golden Eagles Showdown Series, which features similar end-of-year training games on December 4-5 and 11-12, kickoff times at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. PT.
USA Women’s Sevens Head Coach Chris Brown:
“I love watching this group play. Without any series stops this side of the new year, all we have is the opportunity to challenge each other in what has been a tumultuous year for all.
“Our sincerest thanks go to the USOPC and Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, who have helped us plan and implement the necessary protocols to resume residency training.
“I’m grateful to have seen the in-house intensity increase significantly over the past couple of months. Our standard of in-house play has been pretty solid and where we need to be for the World Series. I expect nothing less on Friday and am grateful for the depth we can see come through.”
COVID-19 Safety Procedures
USA Women’s Sevens program reassembled in mid-August following rigorous entry testing and quarantine process in accordance with local mandates and stringent protocols from the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
Programs utilize a robust contact tracing system to identify and minimize any exposure to the virus. All scrimmages are a part of a residency training program that falls within the Elite Athlete Training Center’s professional sport exemption.
Protocols included:
- COVID-19 testing before and after a mandatory 3-day quarantine
- Antibody and echo cardiac testing
- Periodic testing and mandatory ‘Bubble’ re-entry in the event of travel or uncontrolled community exposure
- Daily symptom and temperature checks as mandated by the USOPC and Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center
- Additional internal daily wellness checks
- Assigned training groups implemented to reduce unnecessary close contact and limit transmission risk
- Maintain more than 6 ft distance from all staff
- Signed Training Agreement adhering to all safety rules
USA STARS
Player – Position (# HSBC Tournaments)
Lauren Doyle – Flyhalf/Wing (30)
Nicole Heavirland – Hooker/Scrumhalf (24)
Kristi Kirshe – Center/Wing (8)
Ilona Maher – Center/prop (12)
Jordan Matyas – Prop (13)
Ari Ramsey – Wing (uncapped)
Stephanie Rovetti – Flyhalf/Wing (6)
Nia Toliver – Prop/Wing (0)
USA STRIPES
Player – Position (# HSBC Tournaments)
Meya Bizer – Prop/Hooker (5)
Kayla Canett – Scrumhalf/Flyhalf (10)
Cheta Emba – Prop/Wing (16)
Jaz Gray – Wing (0)
Abby Gustaitis – Prop/Hooker (12)
Kasey McCravey – Hooker/Flyhalf (4)
Alena Olsen – Scrumhalf/Flyhalf (3)
Naya Tapper – Wing/Prop (21)
Kris Thomas – Hooker/Center (26)