Sione Fukofuka has taken the unusual step of announcing his Eagles squad very early (full list below).
With typically American verve the news came via a ceremony aired on YouTube. Brilliant!
The strategy is curious since he summoned forty players together for a final training meet in Maryland on 10 July, and there is still one more warm-up game to come, against Canada in Ottawa on 1 August.
This is one response to the agonising – but unavoidable – matter facing every player: am I in or out? At least the Eagles will have known well in advance.
The Selection
Hope Rogers, Maya Learned, Charli Jacoby, Catie Benson, Alivia Leatherman, Kathryn Treder, Paige Stathopoulos, Hope Cooper, Hallie Taufoou, Erica Jarrell-Searcy, Rachel Ehrecke, Emerson Allen, Tahlia Brody, Rachel Johnson, Freda Tafuna, Kate Zackary, Georgie Perris-Redding, Olivia Ortiz, McKenzie Hawkins, Kristin Bitter, Alev Kelter, Emily Henrich, Nana Fa’avesi, Gabby Cantorna, Cheta Emba, Bulou Mataitonga, Sariah Ibarra, Lotte Sharp, Cassidy Bargell, Ilona Maher, Erica Coulibaly, Keia Mae Sagapolu
There are few surprises here, though Fukofuka has included less familiar names.
Their next step is an international versus Fiji this Saturday. After the celebrations of Thursday, it was straight to bed.
Some background
It is vitally important that the Eagles do well, not just for USA Rugby but for World Rugby. WR has awarded the 2033 RWC to the States, and it wants the game to hold a far more prominent place in the crowded field of US sport than at present. At least the women’s game has fewer well-heeled rivals to contend with than the men’s.
The WER league, started this year, has come too late to make a signal difference to American hopes (two pool matches against England and Australia don’t help) but a year is a long time in rugby, and USA Rugby has eight years to gear up (just six years for the men’s equivalent).
Money Makes the World spin round
Michele Kang’s provision of 1 million dollars per annum for four years gave the Eagles’ women’s Sevens squad the huge boost of an Olympic bronze medal.
The Fifteens squad has been awarded contracts lasting from June to beyond the RWC. That is small fry in comparison with the 7’s position, but has a hugely positive effect on the players.
Canada has shown what is possible. Their funding campaign has already passed the 750, 000 dollar mark.
Afterthoughts
The announcement, due at 20.45 local time, started at 21.10. Let’s hope the team turns up on time for the Sunderland match.
Michele Kang was present! That may be very good news for the Eagles.
