Chiefs quartet in USA Eagles squad

By Harry Scott-Munro
15/10/21

There will be a strong Exeter Chiefs representation in the USA Women’s Eagles squad for the upcoming Autumn tests against Canada, Ireland and England.

Co-captain Kate Zackary, Gabby Cantorna, Rachel Johnson and Jennine Duncan have all been selected as part of Rob Cain’s travelling squad.

The Autumn tests will be the first time in nearly two years that the USA Eagles have been able to play a test series with the game time serving as crucial preparation ahead of the re-arranged Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

There is a huge Allianz Premier 15s presence within the squad with 13 players currently playing in the league named in the squad.

Before heading over to Europe, Cain’s side will play back-to-back tests against Canada in Glendale, before taking on Ireland in Dublin and England at Sixways.

The USA Women’s Eagles haven’t had a test match since November of 2019 where they faced Canada twice at the Elite Athlete Training Centre in Chula Vista. Canada were victorious in both fixtures, and so revenge will definitely be on the cards when both sides clash on November 1st.

Speaking ahead of the tests, Head Coach Rob Cain was excited to finally get back on the field, he said: “I know I speak for everyone when I say we can’t wait to be out there again. Two years since our last international and the prospect of testing ourselves on the world stage is an exciting one and something we are all grateful for.”

Cain was also acutely aware of the challenge that the four fixtures will present for his side but expressed his excitement at seeing what his side can achieve.

“We are very aware of the challenges that all four games present. Whether it’s Canada’s physicality or the number of test matches Ireland and England have played in the past couple years, we can’t wait to meet those head on against some of the best in the world,” he explained.

USA Women’s Eagles Squad

Catherine Benson, Sale Sharks (ENG), 23
Amy Talei Bonte, Gloucester Hartpury (ENG), 6
Elizabeth Cairns, Life West Gladiatrix, 11
Kayla Canett, USA Sevens, 7
Gabby Cantorna, Exeter Chiefs (ENG), 8
Jennine Detiveaux, Exeter Chiefs (ENG), 7
Rachel Ehrecke, Colorado Gray Wolves, uncapped
Joanne Nana Fa’avesi, USA Sevens, 2
Tess Feury, New York Rugby, 6
Megan Foster, San Diego Surfers, 5
Saher Hamdan, Life University, uncapped
McKenzie Hawkins, Colorado Gray Wolves, 3
Katana Howard, Sale Sharks (ENG), 4
Charli Jacobs, Loughborough Lightning (ENG), 6
Nick James, Sale Sharks (ENG), 12
Kathryn Johnson, Twin City Amazons, 7
Rachel Johnson, Exeter Chiefs, 7
Alev Kelter, USA Sevens, 13
Kristi Kirshe, USA Sevens, uncapped
Joanna Kitlinski, Colorado Gray Wolves, 14
Jenny Kronish, Beantown Rfc, uncapped
Maya Learned, Gloucester Hartpury (ENG), 2
Sarah Levy, USA Sevens, 2
Bulou Mataitoga, Berkeley All Blues, 3
Olivia Ortiz, Davenport & Chicago North Shore, 5
Hope Rogers, Life West Gladiatrix, 29
Kristine Sommer, Gloucester Hartpury (ENG), 13
Hallie Taufoou, Colorado Gray Wolves, uncapped
Alycia Washington, Worcester Warriors (ENG), 22
Carly Waters, Saracens (ENG), 4
Kate Zackary, Exeter Chiefs (ENG), 15