A. The first squad announced
The USA Eagles became the first union to announce their squad:
Kate Zackary (C); Erica Jarrell-Searcy; Emerson Allen; Hallie Taufoou; Maya Learned; Rachel Ehrecke; Tahlia Brody; Rachel Johnson; Paige Stathopolous; Alivia Leatherman; Catie Benson; Hope Cooper; Charli Jacoby; Freda Tafuna; Georgie Perris-Redding; Kathryn Tredder; Keia Mae Sagapolu; Hope Rogers
Cheta Emba; Nana Fa’avesi; Ilona Maher; Emily Henrich; Bilou Mataitonga; McKenzie Hawkins; Alev Kelter; Lotte Sharpe; Eica Poulivli; Kristin Bitter; Cassidy Bargell; Gabby Cantorna; Olivia Ortiz; Sariah Ibarra
Sione Fukofuka has opted for an 18:14 split between pack and backs. It will be intriguing to see how many follow this pattern, rather than 19:13.
The Eagles still have 2 warm-ups to come, against Fiji and Canada.
B. The 6N U20 Summer Series has ended. To nobody’s surprise France remained unbeaten.
The match v England, placed last as in the elite 6N, ended 52-39
At least this time England finished on the same planet as their talented opponents.
But it was more proof of their domination at age-group levels in Europe
C. Liz Crake, the dentist-cum-England prop, returns to Sarries after many years at Wasps and Trailfinders.
Somehow Sarries need to return to their winning ways after Glos-Pury’s hat-trick of trophies.
That makes 2 Red Roses that TF have negligently let slip over the summer (Abby Dow).
