eagles.rugby — In the nation’s capital, surrounded by a rich history, the USA Women’s Eagles are ready to write the next chapter. [Photo: Greg Grudt for USA Rugby]
USA Rugby proudly announced the official Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 squad as a highlight of the celebration of USA Rugby’s 50th Anniversary in Washington D.C. streamed live to fans across the country and is now available for replay on the official USA Rugby YouTube channel.
The announcement marks an epic moment for women’s rugby in the United States, as the Eagles prepare to compete on women’s rugby’s biggest ever stage with over 330,000 tickets already sold – more than double the previous Women’s Rugby World Cup total. And with live streaming of the USA Women’s matches on CBS and Paramount+, the squad is ready to inspire future generations of rugby players waiting for their call up.
Captaining the Squad for the second time in her third Rugby World Cup, Kate Zackary commented, “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.
“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.”
These players will not only represent the USA but serve as testament to the growing level of rugby talent having been drawn from a highly competitive and tight selection pool. Building on their quarterfinal 7th place finish in Rugby World Cup 2021, the team is committed to showing their impact.
The squad announcement was made by legendary USA Eagle Jamie Burke, who until recently held the record as the highest-capped Women’s Eagle. That record was recently broken by current squad member Hope Rogers, who now boasts an incredible 54 caps as she prepares to represent the USA in her fourth Rugby World Cup.
Head Coach, Sione Fukofuka commented, “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.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
The squad will tackle their first challenge together, this Saturday July 19, taking on Fiji as part of a Double Header with the USA Men’s Eagles taking on the hosts of their future venue, England. The Women’s Eagles match will broadcast on CBS and stream live on Paramount+.
The team will then travel to Canada for one final preparatory match on August 1 before their departure for an acclimatization camp before kicking off the Rugby World Cup proceedings.
The USA Women’s Eagles will kick off their Rugby World Cup campaign with a highly anticipated clash against host nation England in the tournament’s opening match. They will then face Australia and Samoa in Pool A in their campaign to secure a place in the Semifinals.
USA Rugby fans can follow the Eagles’ journey on social media and tune into the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 starting on August 22 aired live on Paramount+.
ROSTER
PROP
Catie Benson — Sale Sharks / Boston Banshees, 3rd RWC
Charli Jacoby — Exeter Chiefs / Queensland Reds, 2nd
Maya Learned — Denver Onyx, 2nd
Alivia Leatherman — Trailfinders / Twin Cities Gemini, 1st
Hope Rogers — Exeter Chiefs, 4th
Keia Mae Sagapolu — Leicester Tigers / ACT Brumbies, 1st
HOOKER
Hope Cooper — Bay Area Breakers, 1st
Paige Stathopoulos — Ealing Trailfinders / Boston Banshees, 1st
Kathryn Treder — Loughborough Lightning / Bay Area Breakers, 2nd
LOCK
Emerson Allen — Twin Cities Gemini, 1st
Rachel Ehrecke — Denver Onyx, 1st
Erica Jarrell – Searcy — Sale Sharks, 2nd
Hallie Taufoou — Loughborough Lightning / Denver Onyx, 2nd
BACK ROW
Tahlia Brody — Leicester Tigers / Denver Onyx, 1st
Rachel Johnson — Exeter Chiefs / Denver Onyx, 2nd
Georgie Perris-Redding — Sale Sharks, 2nd
Freda Tafuna — Lindenwood University, 1st
Kate Zackary — Ealing Trailfinders, 3rd
SCRUMHALF
Cassidy Bargell — Boston Banshees, 1st
Olivia Ortiz — Sale Sharks, 2nd
FLYHALF
Kristin Bitter — Denver Onyx, 1st
McKenzie Hawkins — Denver Onyx, 2nd
CENTER
Gabby Cantorna — Exeter Chiefs, 2nd
Nana Fa’avesi — Denver Onyx, 1st
Emily Henrich — Leicester Tigers / Boston Banshees, 1st
Alev Kelter — Loughborough Lightning / Bay Area Breakers, 3rd
Ilona Maher — Bristol Bears / USA Sevens, 1st
WING/FULLBACK
Erica Coulibaly — Denver Onyx, 1st
Cheta Emba — Boston Banshees, 2nd
Sariah Ibarra — USA Sevens, 1st
Bulou Mataitoga — Loughborough Lightning / Bay Area Breakers, 2nd
Lotte Sharp — Saracens, 2nd
STAFF
Head Coach, Attack + Backs | Sione Fukofuka
Assistant Coach, Defense | Sarah Chobot
Assistant Coach, Forwards + Attack | Mel Bosmam
Head of Athletic Performance | Charles Dudley
Assistant S&C | Ashley Morataya
Analyst | Callum Howells
Lead Physiotherapist | Alice Mae
Athletic Trainer | Sam Malette
Performance Psychologist | Scott Goldman
Team Manager | Alana Gattinger
Team Services | Aiyana Gilliard
General Manager, High Performance | Tamara Sheppard
Media Manager | Jenni Burke
RWC SCHEDULE
USA v England
August 22 | 2:30 pm ET | Stadium of Light, Sunderland
Paramount+
USA v Australia
August 30 | 2:30 pm ET | York Community Stadium, York
Paramount+
USA v Samoa
September 6 | 8:30 am ET | York Community Stadium, York
CBS, Paramount+
Quarterfinals Begin September 13