A seven-strong contingent of Lightning players, including Tahlia Brody, Rachel Ehrecke, Keia Mae Sagapolu Sanele, Paige Stathopoulos, Kathryn Treder, Alev Kelter and Bulou Mataitoga, have been selected in the USA Eagles squad for the upcoming Pacific Four Series.
The group of Lightning Eagles have been standout performers for the African Violets in Premiership Women’s Rugby so far this season, with Alev Kelter currently topping the most metres made across the league after 16 Rounds with 1026 metres, as well as defenders beaten with 99.
This PAC4 series marks the first competitive outing under newly appointed Head Coach Jack Hanratty.
“This is an incredibly unique time for this program,” said Hanratty. “We are entering year 1 of a new journey with new players, coaches, and staff moving forward together - working collaboratively with the chance to put our work on the home stage in three different USA Rugby communities - against some of the best countries of the world.”
“We’re excited to explore the game, challenge ourselves - and most importantly - compete. Our aim is to, of course, win matches, but whatever the final score - understanding the wins & losses of each aspect of the game to identify key learnings moving forward”.
“A lot of recognisable stalwarts from the Eagles have retired post-Rugby World Cup, and a couple more are unavailable due to injury, but this gives new athletes a huge opportunity to put their hand up and show who they are and be a part of the new we.”
“We look forward to connecting, learning and sharing the journey with the USA Rugby community across the United States as we begin creating, developing and celebrating a uniquely Eagles style of Rugby.”
The Eagles kick off the series on April 11th in Sacramento, California, against the Black Ferns.
USA Eagles PAC 4 Squad
Forwards
Emerson Allen – Leicester Tigers
Kapoina Bailey – Denver Onyx
Tahlia Brody – Loughborough Lightning
Hope Cooper* – Bay Area Breakers
Rachel Ehrecke – Loughborough Lightning
Mikaela Hall* – Denver Onyx
Hann Humphreys* – USA 7s
Malia Isaacs* – Boston Banshees
Erica Jarrell-Searcy – Sale Sharks
Alivia Leatherman – Ealing Trailfinders
Georgie Perris-Redding – Sale Sharks
Hope Rogers – Exeter Chiefs
Keia Mae Sagapolu Sanele – Loughborough Lightning
Paige Stathopoulos – Loughborough Lightning
Freda Tafuna – Lindenwood University
Hallie Taufoou – Stade Bordelais Women
Kathryn Treder – Loughborough Lightning
Olivia Woods* – Sacred Heart University
Reece Woods* – Sacred Heart University
Backs
Cass Bargell – Denver Onyx / USA 7s
Kristin Bitter – Leicester Tigers
Erica Coulibaly – USA 7s
Emily Henrich – Leicester Tigers
Katana Howard – Sale Sharks
Alev Kelter – Loughborough Lightning
Bulou Mataitoga – Loughborough Lightning
Alopa Nau* – Davenport University
Olivia Ortiz – Sale Sharks
Abigail Paton* – Matatu
Lotte Sharp – Saracens
Telesi Uhatafe* – Southern Nazarene University
Bella Vogel* – Life University