Women’s Eagles hold domestic ID camp

New Women’s Eagles coach Sione Fukofuka will run the rule over 31 of the top domestic talents in USA rugby during a three-day identification camp that begins today in Charlotte and runs through Sunday. Included are 17 full internationals and several who were part of the u23 program last year.

Fukofuka says he is keen to get started after being appointed in November. “We have been actively connecting and planning for the upcoming season, but to have a chance to get in front of the players and set some key standards and expectations from us as a coaching team is invaluable. We have the opportunity to introduce our game model and underline what we value in the program and from the players, which will provide a strong foundation for our preparation for the first test of the year.”

A large number of front row players have been included, but there are relatively few loose forwards and outside backs. Most of the senior Eagles squad is expected to come from the sizeable overseas contingent with several leading players getting regular game time in the English Premiership.

An away test in Europe, yet to be confirmed, is being planned for March before the Pacific Four kicks off in April. The Eagles will host Canada at a venue to be determined before heading to the South Pacific to take on New Zealand and Australia on their home turf.

PROP
Tiara A’au (NYRC)
Maya Learned
Alivia Leatherman (Notre Dame)
Mona Tupou (EPA Razorbacks)
Caitlin Weigel (Colorado Grey Wolves)
Olivia Woods (Sacred Heart)
Reece Woods (Sacred Heart)

HOOKER
Mikaela Hall (Queen’s Charlotte)
Jett Hayward (Life West)
Paige Stathopoulos (Beantown)

SECOND/BACK ROW
Emerson Allen (Life University)
Sam Brackett (Rhinos)
Yeja Dunn (Beantown)
Rachel Ehrecke (Colorado Gray Wolves)
Jenny Kronish (Beantown)
Megan Neyen (Beantown)
Freda Tafuna (Lindenwood)
Cindy Taulava (Dartmouth)

SCRUMHALF
Cassidy Bargell
Nikki Kenyon (Life West)
Kelsie O’Brien (Colorado Gray Wolves)
Taina Tukuafu (Lindenwood)
Carly Waters (Colorado Gray Wolves)

FLYHALF
Kristin Bitter (Dartmouth)
McKenzie Hawkins
Sophie Pyrz (Rhinos)

MIDFIELD/OUTSIDE BACKS
Susan Adegoke (Life University)
Amanda Berta
Emily Henrich (Beantown)
Tiahna Padilla (Harvard)
Neariah Persinger (Tulsa)