The USA Women’s Eagles are set to ignite a new era of American rugby this Saturday, April 11, in Sacramento, Calif., as they kick off the 2026 Pacific Four (PAC4) Series against New Zealand (4 p.m. PT). It’s the first of two international test matches inside Heart Health Park, with Canada vs. Australia (7 p.m. PT) anchoring the two-day festival. Three College Rugby Association of America (CRAA) matches will serve as curtain-raisers, and PAC4 tickets provide access to all five games. [lead photo c/o USA Rugby]

Under the guidance of head coach Jack Hanratty and led on the pitch by captain Erica Jarrell-Searcy, the match-day 23 features a strong veteran core while infusing fresh momentum from six potential debuts that have displayed standout performances to earn the number on the back of their USA Jersey.

“It’s been a fast learning for all staff and athletes, but the one thing that has been there from day 1 is the willingness and openness to create an Eagles style of rugby,” Hanratty said. “We want to explore the game — give the right to try things and be adaptive and responsive to all elements in the game. We only know where we are when tested, and who better to be tested by than historically the most successful women’s rugby program in the world?”

With strength and leadership from familiar faces, USA fans can expect strong tackles and hard drives from forwards Hope Rogers, Freda Tafuna and Keia Mae Sagapolu Sanele, while Rugby World Cup 2025 powerhouses Emily Henrich, Bulou Mataitoga and Alev Kelter look for fast breaks and tactical running lines.

Hanratty and coaching staff have named Cass Bargell at scrumhalf, paired with debutant flyhalf Bella Vogel, who earns her senior selection after climbing the ranks of the USA Pathways and Junior National Teams.

USA Sevens standout Hann Humphreys brings fresh 15s talent to the forward pack, earning a start at blindside flanker. Humphreys brings a relentless work rate and the high-octane style synonymous with the USA Women’s Sevens. Also from the 7s program, Erica Coulibaly brings electric pace to the wing.

With debutants like Hope Cooper, Reece Woods, Abigail Paton and Telesi Uhatafe ready to provide impact from the bench, the Eagles are prepared to set the tone for the rest of the PAC4 Series and make their intentions known that USA Rugby plans to be a growing force as they work their way up the tables this 2026 season.

Photo c/o USA Rugby

Teaming up with the College Rugby Association of America (CRAA), USA Rugby will host a two-day festival beginning on Friday night (7:30 p.m. PT) with the DII final between San Jose State University (preview) and UC Irvine (preview). On Saturday at 9 a.m., Stanford (preview) and Western Washington (preview) will contest the CRAA DI Challenger Bowl, and then Life (preview) and BYU (preview) kick off at 12 p.m. for the DI trophy.
The international double-header begins at 4 p.m. PT with USA vs. New Zealand, followed by Canada vs. Australia at 7 p.m. PT. PAC4 Series tickets will permit access to all matches and are available at https://usa.rugby/pac4. Fans at home can catch the USA Women’s Eagles in action live on Paramount+.

USA Women’s Eagles Coaches & Staff

Jack Hanratty | Head Coach
Sarah Chobot | Assistant Coach
Lou Meadows | Assistant Coach
Jon Humphreys | Assistant Coach
Tom Clough | Head of Athletic Performance
Anna Unnasch | Athletic Trainer
Janie Kleumpers | Athletic Trainer
Alana Gattinger | Head of High Performance Operations
Hannah Reid | Team Manager