Sophie de Goede will make her first start for Saracens at No8 when they take on Wasps at Copthall Stadium on Saturday. The Canadian international is one of a dozen North American exports named on team sheets this weekend.
de Goede will line up alongside ex-England prop Rochelle ‘Rocky’ Clark, the all-time most-capped player in women’s international rugby. The feature match of the weekend, it will be streamed live on YouTube, Twitter, and on the Web with kickoff set for 2pm local time, 9am Eastern, 6am Pacific.
The first match of Round 5 sees Exeter on the road at Durham Sharks. Canada provides hooker Emily Tuttosi, second row McKinley Hunt, and flyhalf Taylor Black to the Chiefs. Eagles pair Kate Zackary and Gabby Cantorna start at openside flanker and inside center respectively.
Fellow USA international Jess Wooden lines up at fullback for Sale against Harlequins, and there are five Canadians set to play at Sixways. Outside back Paige Farries is on the bench for the home side Worcester. Visitors Loughborough feature DaLeaka Menin at tighthead prop, Courtney Holtkamp at lock, and Sara Svoboda in the No7 shirt. Second row Abby Duguid is set to make her professional debut as a replacement.