Kathryn Treder and Mae Sagapolu both start for USA in their WXV Global Series campaign opener against Ireland this weekend.
The Lightning duo pack down at hooker and tighthead prop respectively for the encounter in Dublin’s Tallaght Stadium on Sunday 20 September (kick-off: 1.45pm).
Head Coach, Jack Hanratty said: “Seven weeks is a long campaign as we approach this WXV Series, so we're relying on our entire squad. Players have been great at taking on their individual roles - whether it's as a starter or finisher or a part of our scout team - and that sometimes comes with disappointment or excitement.
“But, we know that this is a really long process and we want to see what we can bring for every single game and challenge those teams that are near our World Ranking - as well as how we end with such a big game against what looks like a formidable and unstoppable World Champion in England. So we're excited that we got to start against a very in-form Irish team in Ireland - which will be such a big test - and then let us see the growth of how we perform and if we can be battle- ready by the time we get to play the World Champions at home in New Jersey.”
USA side to face Ireland
15 Kayla Canett
14 Telesi Uhatafe
13 Tessa Hann
12 Emily Henrich
11 Erica Coulibaly
10 Bella Vogel
9 Abigail Paton
1 Hope Rogers
2 Kathryn Treder (Loughborough Lightning)
3 Mae Sagapolu (Loughborough Lightning)
4 Hallie Taufoou
5 Rachel Ehrecke
6 Hann Humphreys
7 Georgie Perris-Redding (Co-Capt)
8 Freda Tafuna
Replacements:
16 Alivia Leatherman
17 Chloe Hill-Huse
18 Reece Woods
19 Erica Jarrell-Searcy (Co-Capt)
20 Kapoina Bailey
21 Kate Zackary
22 Cassidy Bargell
23 Nina Mason*
Loughborough Lightning 2026/27 Season Tickets are still on sale priced from £70 adult and £25 child. To purchase yours or for more information, please click HERE.