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eagles.rugby – Following review and analysis of the 2025 season across junior and senior levels, USA Women’s Eagles Pathways are committed to raising the depth and level of the USA Women’s talent pool looking ahead to LA28, RWC 2029 in Australia, and RWC 2033 in the United States. [lead photo: @usarugby]
USA Women’s Pathways have been active with winter camps across the U23, U20 and U18 levels with focus on both 7s and 15s development and talent identification (TID). Working collaboratively with senior coaches, junior national team head coaches are actively scouting top talent and making recommendations for individual player development plans that will elevate athletes to the next level of play.
With opportunities across the age grades to level up, athletes will be exposed to the high performance demands and international standards required to be an Eagle.
Athletes identified in TID player pools will be constantly monitored through remote check-ins and camp assemblies throughout the spring leading up to selection for the summer tours in their respective levels:
• U18s – East and West development camps – July
• U20s – 2-match tour to South Africa – July
• Falcons – 2-match series against Brazil – August
“Pathways programs play a critical role in preparing and transitioning athletes into the Senior Eagles 7s and XVs environments,” Head of Player Systems and Development Martha Daines explained. “This alignment is essential as we build toward a continued program of USA Eagles home test matches and the long-term opportunity of the LA28 Olympics and 2033 Rugby World Cup.
“Expanded international competition for our U20 and Falcons programs accelerates the transition from pathway to performance,” Daines continued. “By exposing athletes to the demands of international rugby earlier, we are building depth, reinforcing our game identity, and preparing players to deliver immediately at the senior team level. 2026 brings some exciting opportunities for our coaches and athletes to learn and further develop.”
Talent verification and evaluation of players’ physical potential across the women’s pathways programs will help coaches nominate athletes for future opportunities building up the ranks of the Pathway Development Group and eventually into the Senior High Performance Program.