WER Newsroom - Women's Elite Rugby

Women’s Elite Rugby Expands Leadership and Launches Commercial Advisory Council Ahead of Series A Growth

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 14:52:32 GMT

WER’s second season kicks off the first week of May

UNITED STATES — Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) today announced a series of key leadership and governance advancements as the league enters its Series A raise on the back of its successful inaugural season. The league is strengthening its leadership bench with proven operators, people who have built audiences, grown revenue, and run businesses with fiscal discipline, to help WER scale faster.

Over the past several months, WER has also significantly bolstered its executive leadership team. Dr. Jessica Hammond-Graf has transitioned into the role of Chief Sporting Officer, while continuing to serve as President, with oversight of high-performance planning, rugby operations, athlete development, and events. Phil Camm has moved into the role of Chief Commercial Officer, leading the league’s growth strategy. This new leadership structure will report to an already impressive board.

At the board level, the league welcomes Priya Oberoi , representing Goddess Gaia Ventures. Her addition deepens the board’s expertise as WER enters its next phase of growth. Oberoi joins board members Randy Little , co-founders Koma Gandy and Jenny Houlihan , and lead investor Deb Henretta.

In parallel with these leadership advancements, WER has established a Commercial Advisory Council composed of seasoned industry leaders Teresa Palladino , Liz Anderson , Stacy Jolna , and Rob Candelino . The Council is a senior-advisor group made up of WER stakeholders helping to sharpen the league's commercial plans, focused on marketing, partnerships, broadcast, and investment strategy.

More information about the members of WER’s Commercial Advisory Council can be found below.

Teresa Palladino

Teresa Palladino is a senior marketing executive with global experience building sports and media brands that grow audiences, deepen fan engagement, and drive revenue. She spent a decade at Red Bull creating athlete-led campaigns and partnerships with measurable commercial impact. Most recently, she led brand marketing, storytelling, community engagement, and partnerships for Grand Slam Track’s launch, and earlier helped ONE Championship expand across the Americas through digital and broadcast partnerships.

Liz Anderson

Liz Anderson is an entertainment and sports marketing leader with 20 years of experience shaping global campaigns. At Netflix, she led strategy for live sports and events, partnering with leagues like the NFL and WWE. She also built the “Netflix is a Joke” brand and marketed comedy worldwide, after leading digital and social strategy at Disney/ABC.

Stacy Jolna

Stacy Jolna is a C-suite media innovator working across TV, AI, streaming, and social. At TiVo, he built the brand nationwide, secured strategic media investments, and helped drive a successful IPO to a $1B market cap. At News Corp, he created and scaled TV Guide SPOT from concept to a $650M market cap. He also launched CNN Presents and Special Reports, and now leads enViibe, an AI guidance platform for streaming consumers.

Rob Candelino

Rob Candelino is a globally accomplished Consumer Products executive, investor, advisor and Board member. Most recently, Rob served as CEO of PetSafe Brands, the world’s largest PetTechnology company. Prior to that Rob spent decades at Unilever where he served in a variety of executive roles, most notably as CEO of Thailand and Inland ASEAN. Rob is a Board member of The Scott’s Miracle-Gro Company, where he Chairs the Innovation and Technology Committee, and the Tennessee Theatre.

If you have any questions about WER or would like to speak to members of the leadership team please email wer@lindarothpr.com .

For the latest news and updates, follow WER on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . Media images of Women’s Elite Rugby are available HERE . Headshots of WER leadership are HERE .

About WER

Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) is the first American professional women’s rugby league. The league announced their official launch in 2024 with their inaugural season starting in March 2025 centering six teams in Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York, Bay Area, and Twin Cities featuring 180 athletes. The mission of the WER is to be the defining standard of rugby in the United States. WER is structured on the stable foundation of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), a national, amateur pay-to-play model, high level rugby competition established in 2009. With the creation of Women’s Elite Rugby, world-class women’s rugby will be ushered into the next stage of its evolution and will take women’s rugby in the United States to new heights. For further information visit: https://www.womenseliterugby.us/ .

Women’s Elite Rugby Announces Exclusive 2026 Broadcast Partnership With The Women’s Sports Network

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 13:45:02 GMT

All 2026 WER matches will be broadcast live on WSN

FEBRUARY 18, 2026 – Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) today announced a new media partnership with The Women’s Sports Network (WSN) , the FAST Studios–backed, women’s-sports-only channel. Through the agreement, WSN will serve as the “The Home of WER” for the 2026 season, delivering live and delayed match coverage on its channel under an exclusive content licensing deal.

Fans will be able to watch WER matches through a platform designed for modern viewing habits. WSN is free, ad-supported, and widely available across major smart TVs and streaming platforms, including Roku, Samsung TV Plus, Tubi, Amazon Prime Video, Pluto TV, VIZIO WatchFree+, LG Channels on LG Smart TVs, Fubo, Plex and My Free DirecTV. The distribution allows viewers to access WER content on devices they already own without requiring an additional subscription.

“For the fans who can’t join us in person, this partnership with The Women’s Sports Network will bring you closer to the action than ever,” said Phil Camm, Chief Commercial Officer for Women’s Elite Rugby . “WSN shares our commitment to women’s sports, and together we’ll deliver a broadcast that gets tight on the explosive collisions, the relentless pace, and the athletic brilliance and unique personalities of our players across the country. With WSN available across multiple platforms nationwide, more fans, longtime rugby supporters and first-timers alike, can tune in and be part of it.”

WER will sit alongside a growing slate of top-tier women’s sports programming on WSN, including NWSL, the LPGA Tour, and SailGP, giving fans a single place to watch some of the biggest women’s competitions.

“Women’s Elite Rugby embodies the strength, speed, and competitive excellence that define the future of women’s sports,” said Carol Stiff, President of The Women’s Sports Network . “As the Home of WER for the 2026 season, we’re thrilled to showcase these incredible athletes and bring the intensity of elite women’s rugby to fans everywhere through our free, widely accessible platform.”

For media members, photographers, videographers and/or content creators interested in hearing more or attending any practices/matches, please fill out the credential form HERE . Your request will be vetted by our PR team and you will receive a confirmation or rejection notification shortly after applying.

For the latest news and updates, follow WER on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . Media images of Women’s Elite Rugby are available HERE .

 About WER

About The Women’s Sports Network:

The Women's Sports Network is the home for women’s sports. A free, ad-supported, 24/7 streaming destination, The Women’s Sports Network is the preferred cable alternative for cord cutters that’s available across Roku, Samsung TV Plus, Tubi, Amazon Prime Video, Pluto TV, VIZIO WatchFree+, LG Channels on LG Smart TVs, Fubo, Plex and My Free DirecTV. Launched by FAST Studios in 2022, The Women's Sports Network is the leading destination where fans can see live games, news and exceptional stories across every women’s sport, including League One Volleyball (LOVB), Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), U.S. Ski and Snowboard,) SailGP, Pac-12, and more – finally leveling the playing field for female athletes. For more information, visit: https://womenssports.com .

WER Announces Closing of Seed Round

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:29:39 GMT

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Carolina Soccer Ventures, LLC and GG Ventures among strong early supporters

UNITED STATES — Women’s Elite Rugby (WER), the first professional women’s rugby league in the United States, today announced the successful closing of its seed round, marking a major milestone in the league’s growth and long‑term development as it moves toward preseason in April and the kickoff of its 2026 season on Saturday, May 2. Among participation from several early supporters, this round also featured investment from a Grammy Award-winning artist, whose involvement will be announced at a later date.

As part of the seed round, Carolina Soccer Ventures, LLC has also joined WER’s investor group. Carolina Soccer Ventures is a sports and entertainment holding company based in High Point, North Carolina, investing at the intersection of competition, community, and opportunity. The company partners with leagues and organizations that prioritize athlete development, long‑term ecosystem growth, and durable business models. Their investment reflects a belief that well‑built sports platforms can drive both competitive excellence and meaningful economic impact.

Additionally, GG Ventures, Europe’s first dedicated investment platform for the Female Performance Stack, also announced its investment in WER, with Founding General Partner Priya Oberoi joining the WER Board of Directors. In discussing the firm’s decision, Oberoi noted WER exemplifies GG Ventures’ investment thesis, saying that women’s sports are not simply an entertainment asset but a high‑trust, high‑velocity distribution engine for precision health, longevity, and performance technologies.

Both Deb Henretta, a former Procter & Gamble C-suite executive with extensive public company experience and Cameron Rhode, a passionate advocate for women's sports and an investor deeply committed to amplifying women's voices, also participated in the seed round. Conversations around the upcoming Series A raise are already underway as WER continues to build a durable, scalable foundation for the league’s future.

The close of the seed round positions Women’s Elite Rugby for continued expansion, enhanced athlete support, and the development of a sustainable professional pathway for women in the sport. Additional updates will follow as the league progresses toward the 2026 season.

https://www.lindarothpr.com/the-newsroom/womens-elite-rugby-announces-closing-of-seed-round

WER Co-Founder Hallie Martin Named to Forbes 30 Under 30 – Sports Class of 2026

Sat, 13 Dec 2025 15:44:38 GMT

Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) is thrilled to announce that Hallie Martin, Co-Founder and Director of New Media , has been named to the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 – Sports list for 2025. This honor recognizes young leaders who are redefining innovation, creativity, and impact across the sports industry—and Hallie stands out as a visionary shaping the future of women’s sports.

As one of the architects behind WER’s new media strategy, Hallie has played a central role in building a dynamic, athlete-driven digital ecosystem. Her work has elevated the visibility of women’s rugby, empowered athletes to share their stories, and helped position WER as one of the fastest-growing emerging sports leagues in the United States.

“Hallie’s creative leadership and commitment to amplifying athlete voices have been instrumental to our early success,” said Jessica Hammond-Graf, WER President. “Her selection to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list is a tremendous honor and a testament to the bold, innovative approach she brings to WER every day. We are incredibly proud of her.”

Forbes highlighted Hallie for her forward-thinking approach to storytelling, fan engagement, and digital innovation—key pillars of WER’s growth strategy. Her ability to merge strategic content creation with a deep passion for equity in sports has helped shape a league that prioritizes visibility, inclusivity, and community-building.

Hallie’s recognition places her among an elite group of young changemakers who are challenging traditional models and ushering in the next era of sports leadership. Her work at WER reflects not only her personal excellence, but also a broader movement driving new opportunities for women athletes across professional sports.

For the full list of 2026 honorees click HERE.

Women’s Elite Rugby Announces 2026 Head Coaches

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 19:31:52 GMT

Pittsford, Vermont – November 13, 2025 – Women’s Elite Rugby (WER), the first professional women’s rugby league in the United States, today announced the head coaches for the 2026 season which will kickoff in May 2026.

WER will retain head coaches in five of the six inaugural markets and will bring Kristin Zdanczewicz onboard in a full-time capacity after she served as the acting head coach for a portion of the 2025 season.

“We are really excited to be bringing the head coaching team from Season 1 back for Season 2. An inaugural season is always a learning experience for everyone. So, I am excited to see how those lessons learned and successes achieved are actioned on in this second year”, said WER Director of Rugby Jamie Burke . “While the teams in the league compete against each other on the pitch, I am really proud of the way the head coaches have supported each other and collaborated with each other to ensure the ongoing success of the league and we look forward to more of that as we gear up for our second season."

“Our coaches were the cornerstone of Women’s Elite Rugby’s on field success in Season 1,” said WER President, Dr. Jessica Hammond-Graf . “Their commitment to player development, teamwork, and culture helped set the foundation for an exciting rugby experience, not only for our players, but also our fans. As we move into Season 2, this group will continue to shepherd our league forward — leading with integrity, vision, and the passion that defines our game.”

Player declarations for the 2026 season will begin on December 1. Information will be available in the coming weeks on www.womenseliterugby.us

Head Coach Bios

Bay Breakers
Head Coach: Hannah Stolba
Stolba most recently served as the head coach of the Berkeley All Blues Women’s Rugby of the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Stolba has over a decade of coaching experience across all levels of the game and as a player was on two World Cup squads (2010 and 2014). Stolba helped lead the All Blues to a WPL Championship in 2022 and runners up in 2023 and 2024.

Boston Banshees
Head Coach: Kittery Ruiz
Ruiz’s rugby coaching experience spans collegiate, WPL, and USA U20 Women’s National teams. Ruiz most recently has served as both head and assistant coach of the WPL’s Beantown Rugby in Boston and currently serves as an assistant coach with Brown University and an assistant coach with the USA U20 women’s national team. Ruiz represented USA Rugby as a player in the 2010 and 2014 Rugby World Cups, as a part of the 7s pool in 2009. Ruiz was most recently recognized by the WRCRA with the Kathy Flores’ Lifetime Achievement Award.

Chicago Tempest
Head Coach: Kristin Zdanczewicz
Zdanczewicz served as acting head coach for the Chicago Tempest during part of the 2025 season and now returns to lead the team in her first full year as head coach. In addition to her work with the Tempest, she holds a hybrid role at Bowdoin College, where she mentors student-athletes in the weight room and assists the coaching staff with on-field technical development. She also serves as the Lead Physical Performance Coach for USA Rugby’s Women’s High Performance Pathway, creating and implementing performance plans for the U18, U20, and U23 Women’s National Teams. A member of the USA Women’s National Team from 2000–2018, Zdanczewicz represented the U.S. at the 2006 and 2010 Rugby World Cups and captained the team in 2007 and 2009.

Denver Onyx
Head Coach: Sarah Chobot
Chobot, a former USA women's national team player, currently serves as the defense coach for the USA Women’s Eagles. Chobot has held various coaching positions at a multitude of levels since transitioning to coaching in 2018. Chobot, a Michigan native who honed her craft in Minnesota, notably was named the head coach of the American Raptors in 2023 and was the first female head coach in the Super Rugby Americas. Chobot also previously served as the Defense and Forwards Coach with the Raptors. She led the Onyx to the WER Legacy Cup in 2025.

New York Exiles
Head Coach: Diego Maquieira
Prior to his role with the WER, Maquieira served as the head coach for the WPL’s New York Rugby Club, as well as served as the Forward Coach at Columbia University for the Men’s Rugby Football Club and Assistant Coach for the Old Blue Women and U23 Men’s 7s. In his first season with NYRC women, he guided the team to a national semifinal. As a former college football player, Maquieira found rugby later in life, and developed a strong passion for training and developing crossover athletes. Despite his later start in the sport, Diego was skilled enough to play for multiple MLR franchises.

TC Gemini
Head Coach : Sylvia Braaten
Braaten has over 15 years of professional experience in coaching and performance training. Braaten was also the Lead Physical Performance Coach with the USA Women’s national team from 2020 to 2024. In Braaten’s five seasons coaching with Harvard Rugby, she won three NIRA National Championships (2019, 2023, 2024) and one USA 7’s National Championship (2024). Braaten played in the WPL for ten years with the Twin Cities Amazons and has over 15 years of playing experience, with eight years at the international level. Braaten represented USA Rugby in the HSBC 7’s World Series and as a player in the 2014 and 2017 Rugby World Cups. Braaten also completed her Graduate Certificate in Organizational Behavior from Harvard.

About Women’s Elite Rugby
Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) is a pioneering professional league dedicated to elevating women’s rugby in the United States. Launched in 2025, WER brings together world-class athletes, coaches, and communities to advance the game and expand opportunities for women in sport. With six inaugural teams across major markets, WER is building a competitive, sustainable pathway that inspires the next generation of players and fans. Through tenacity, equity, and innovation, WER is shaping the future of women’s rugby — on and off the field. Learn more at womenseliterugby.us. For the latest news and updates surrounding the league, follow WER on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn .

Media Contact:
Jessica Poole
Acting Director of Communications
Jessica.Poole@womenseliterugby.com
www.womenseliterugby.us

Breast Cancer Awareness Month with WER

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 04:06:30 GMT

Knowledge is Power: Breast Cancer Awareness Month with WER

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 1 in 8 women in the US are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and awareness is key to detection and treatment. As the month comes to a close, we honor those we have lost to breast cancer and support breast cancer survivors and those who continue to fight.

Today, we are sharing the story from New York Exiles' Emily Brower, who opened up about her family history with breast cancer and how she honors her Aunt Cynthia, who passed away earlier this year:

My mother and three of her sisters all had breast cancer. Being raised by these strong, tough, and loving women shaped me into the person and athlete I am today. My mother and aunts are avid supporters of WER and the New York Exiles--streaming the games from across the country, ordering merch, and always calling or emailing me with their impressions and well wishes.

My aunt Cynthia passed away on January 1st, 2025, after facing metastatic breast cancer for 28 years. Cynthia herself was an incredible athlete and fierce competitor, always uplifting girls and women in sports and leadership roles. Cynthia led a Girl Scout troop, served as a Girl Scout Trainer; taught yoga; and took up figure skating and ice dancing throughout her life. She also played and coached 32 seasons of women’s softball—including one season while on chemo. I first fell in love with sports during tee-ball lessons in her yard in Rhode Island.

I wrote Cynthia's initials on my wrist every game this season, to honor and remember the love of sports and competition Cynthia instilled in me from a young age.

We encourage everyone to know your family history, understand the risk factors, and support breast cancer research. Learn more at https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-facts/ .

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with WER

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 12:21:36 GMT

Where pride meets play: honoring Hispanic Heritage Month across WER

As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, Women’s Elite Rugby is proud to celebrate the players whose roots, stories and spirit have inspired us all month long. We take pride in being a welcoming, inclusive community that celebrates the diversity, strength and individuality of every player who steps onto the field.

Our sport is made richer by the cultures, languages and traditions our athletes bring with them. This month has been a powerful reminder of that unity in diversity, seen through the players who continue to inspire on and off the field.

Gio Cruz of the New York Exiles reflects that spirit. With Dominican roots that run deep in New York, she is proud to represent both club and country. Alexandra Hammon of Denver Onyx also carries her heritage with pride, honoring her Hispanic roots in New Mexico and showing the strength of culture and community in every match she plays.

Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, we have shared the stories of athletes whose heritage continues to shape and strengthen the Women’s Elite Rugby community. Thank you for celebrating with us and for honoring the vibrant culture our players bring to the field every day.

Visit our Instagram page for more stories and highlights.

Women’s Rugby Is Breaking Through—And Women’s Elite Rugby Is Leading the Way

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 13:27:53 GMT

Our Moment is Now

Don’t believe us? Take it from TOGETHXR and Caroline Fitzgerald, a contributing writer and Sports Business Journal 2024 Power Player in Women’s Sports, who recently wrote that women’s rugby is “on the brink of a global breakthrough.” The sport is no longer niche. It is one of the fastest growing team sports in the world, with professional pathways opening and new fans joining every day.

At Women’s Elite Rugby, we are proud to carry that momentum forward in the United States. In our first seasons, the energy has been clear:

More than 10,000 viewers per broadcast across 80 countries, with average watch times of more than 70 minutes
More than 5,000 fans streamed the Legacy Cup live on our site
A record-setting 2,779 fans attended the Denver Onyx home opener

These milestones are more than numbers. They represent a growing community that is showing up, investing, and believing in the future of the women’s game. With growing interest and new opportunities for athletes, Women’s Elite Rugby is building a professional ecosystem that inspires the next generation and brings fans closer than ever.

As Fitzgerald wrote for TOGETHXR, women’s rugby is ready for its global breakthrough. At WER, that breakthrough is already happening—on the field, in the stands, and across screens worldwide.

Denver Onyx WIn Legacy Cup

samantha.ward@womenseliterugby.us (Samantha Ward) — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 17:15:11 GMT

Denver Onyx defeat New York Exiles 53-13 in 2025 Legacy Cup

The Denver Onyx defeated the New York Exiles in a 53-13 victory in the 2025 Legacy Cup, on Sunday, June 29 at TCO Stadium in Eagan, Minnesota. The Exiles came out firing out of the gate and jumped out to a 10-0 lead sparked by a try from Misha Green-Yott at the 13 minute mark followed by a conversion and a penalty kick from Alyssa Cunningham.

The Onyx offense came alive with a try by Kapoina Bailey, cutting the New York lead in half and they took their first lead of the match, 10-12, on a try by Carly Waters. Another penalty kick from Cunningham, gave the Onyx a one-point, 14-13, lead but that was as close as New York would get the rest of the way as the Onyx took a 24-13 lead at the break on tries from Nana Fa’avesi.

The second half the Denver offense proved to be too potent as they took a 29-13 lead on a Rachel Johnson try in the 46th minute and never looked back en route to a 53-13 victory and the 2025 Legacy Cup title.

The Denver Onyx came into the match featuring five of the league’s top 10 points scorers on their roster, while the New York Exiles were home to the WER’s top points scorer, Jetta Owens. Both teams had previously beat each other once during the regular season. Sunday’s match was the first at a neutral stadium.

Rugby 101

samantha.ward@womenseliterugby.us (Samantha Ward) — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 01:59:34 GMT

Rugby 101

As we gear up for the Legacy Cup, we want to make sure you’re fully prepared, so we’ve put together a quick Rugby 101 guide to help you get started!

1. How do you score points in rugby?

There are four ways to score points: A try (5 points) is scored by grounding the ball in the opponent's in-goal area - also called the try zone. A conversion (2 points) is kicked after scoring a try. Teams can also kick penalties (3 points) for serious rule violations, or score drop goals (3 points) by drop-kicking the ball over the crossbar during play (this method doesn’t happen as much, but when it does it’s very cool!)

2. Why can't players pass the ball forward?

Rugby's fundamental rule is that you can only pass backward or sideways to teammates. This creates rugby's unique flowing style where teams must work together creatively to advance. When players throw the ball forward, it's an infringement that gives possession to the other team.

3. What’s a scrum, and what’s going on in there?

A scrum is one of rugby’s ways of restarting play. Eight forwards from each team grab each other’s jerseys, bind together and compete for the ball by trying to push the other team backwards. It restarts play after minor infringements (like a forward pass.) The team awarded the ball (pro tip: look at the direction the referee’s arm is pointing) gets to put the ball into the scrum. The team that gets to put the ball in is trying to push hard to keep the ball, while the opposition is doing their best to push back as hard as possible to steal it the ball from them.

4. What’s all this kicking going on, and why are they doing it?

Smart kicking is a key tactical weapon! Players might punt (drop and kick before the ball touches ground) for territory, kick high for their own teammates to catch it and continue to advance, or use other tactics and techniques to keep play dynamic and exciting. Good kicking can relieve pressure, create attacking opportunities, and even score points.

5. What are those jumping contests at the sideline?

That's a lineout! When the ball goes into touch (out of bounds), teams line up opposite each other where the ball was marked when it left the field of play. The referee will put a flag in the air showing where the ball left the field, and then point in the direction of the team who gets to throw it back in. The team who gets possession will throw the ball straight into the space between the two lines of players (into the “tunnel.) You’ll see some players lifting other players - “lifters” lift the “jumpers” into the air on both teams to try and catch the ball. And, if the team that wasn’t awarded possession is able to catch the ball from the team that threw it in, the lineout has been “stolen!”

6. How long does a rugby match last?

Rugby matches consist of two 40-minute halves with a 15-minute half-time break. Unlike other sports, the clock keeps running during most play, creating that incredible continuous action, changes of possession, and the strategic battles that evolve over the course of a game that make rugby such an amazing game to watch!

7. What happens when a penalty is awarded?

When teams commit serious infringements, the referee awards a penalty to the opposing side. This gives teams valuable options: kick for goal (3 points), kick for better territory, tap and run to continue attacking, or kick into touch for a lineout. Penalties often decide close matches, so understanding when and why they're awarded adds to your enjoyment of the game.

8. Does rugby have cards like soccer does?

Yes, but they work a little differently. If a player commits a foul and the referee decides to award a yellow card, the player who committed the foul has to leave the field for 10 minutes before being allowed to return – AND, the team losing the player has to play shorthanded the whole time. If a player commits a really serious offense and the referee awards a red card, that player is sent off and cannot return to play, and the team losing the player has to play shorthanded for the rest of the match!

Denver Onyx are headed to the Legacy Cup!

Tue, 27 May 2025 20:51:26 GMT

Denver Onyx are headed to the Legacy Cup!

Denver Onyx have secured their spot in the Legacy Cup on Saturday, June 29 at 2PM CT in Eagan, Minnesota .

Get your tickets now to watch the Onyx compete live!

WER’s Legacy Cup Set for June 29 at TCO Stadium

Thu, 08 May 2025 16:53:10 GMT

Women’s Elite Rugby’s national championship will be held in Eagan, MN

WHAT: The 2025 Legacy Cup , the national championship for Women’s Elite Rugby , is set for Sunday, June 29 at TCO Stadium in Eagan, Minnesota. The two title contenders will be determined at the conclusion of WER’s regular season and will then play for the Legacy Cup. The start time of the Legacy Cup will be announced at a later date.

Ticket presale will open to WER insiders on Monday, May 12th . Early access ticket sales will open to the general public on Monday, May 19th . Fans can sign up for the newsletter at www.womenseliterugby.us/newsletter for access to the presale. Legacy Cup visual assets for media are here .

“We are proud to bring Women’s Elite Rugby to the heart of the Midwest where the passion for the sport runs deep. The 2025 Legacy Cup will be a celebration of how far the league has come in our inaugural season and a powerful platform for the growth of the game,” said Dr. Jessica Hammond-Graf, WER President .

WHERE:

TCO Stadium in Eagan, MN

2685 Vikings Cir Eagan, MN 55121

*Attached to the Minnesota Vikings headquarters and training facility

WHEN:

Sunday, June 29

Time TBA

For media members interested in attending the Legacy Cup, please fill out the credential form HERE and your request will be vetted in a timely manner. If you are interested in speaking to a WER representative about the Legacy Cup, please contact Sam Pell at wer@lindarothpr.com .

For the latest news and updates surrounding the league, follow WER on Facebook , Instagram , X and LinkedIn .

About WER

Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) is the first American professional women’s rugby league. The mission of the WER is to be the defining standard of rugby in the United States. WER is structured on the stable foundation of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), a national, amateur pay-to-play model, high level rugby competition established in 2009. With the creation of Women’s Elite Rugby, world-class women’s rugby will be ushered into the next stage of its evolution and will take women’s rugby in the United States to new heights.

USA Rugby and Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) Formalize Sanctioning Agreement Ahead of Historic Inaugural Season

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 11:07:28 GMT

Partnership Elevates Women's 15s Rugby to New Heights, Aligning with World Rugby Standards

 UNITED STATES — USA Rugby and Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) are excited to announce the formalization of a historic sanctioning agreement ahead of

WER’s inaugural 2025 season, marking a major milestone in the development of women’s 15s rugby in the United States.

This official sanctioning confirms that WER will operate in alignment with World Rugby’s highest standards and regulations on the professional level, paving the way for a new era in professional women’s rugby.

The partnership between USA Rugby and WER underscores both organizations' commitment and collaborations on long-term success for professional women’s rugby in the U.S. WER’s season also marks an thrilling start to a benchmark year for women’s rugby as new and veteran USA Eagles take the field in the lead up to the Rugby World Cup in 2025.

Women’s Elite Rugby Announces Partnership with Pinto Capital LLC

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 11:06:20 GMT

Pinto Capital is a sports M&A financing company, specialising in brokering sports investments

UNITED STATES – Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) is delighted to announce the appointment of Pinto Capital LLP as strategic finance advisors and partners as the league progresses into Series A. With the boom of women’s sports valuations in the United States and in the United Kingdom creating exciting new opportunities, Pinto Capital is the ideal partner to support WER’s continued growth for many seasons to come.

Pinto Capital is a sports M&A financing company, specializing in brokering sports investments, founded by former investment banker and hedge fund owner Laurie Pinto. Pinto Capital has been responsible for brokering ownership deals across the sports spectrum from the Premier League to the National League as well as wider work in (the) Bundesliga, USL and more. In October 2024, Pinto Capital announced the first sale ever of a county cricket team to an international group, after advising and brokering the sale of Hampshire County Cricket Club to GMR Global Pte Ltd. In January, it was also announced that Pinto Capital LLP started working with Leicestershire County Cricket Club (LCCC) to explore financing options to fund the County’s future development plans.

“We are extremely excited to be working with the team at Women’s Elite Rugby to help drive the commercialisation of the sport as a whole,” said Pinto Capital Founder Laurie Pinto. “Rugby is one of the leading women’s sport - from rising social media stars to growing grassroots participation - and we look forward to taking it to new heights.”

Working with WER was the perfect fit for Pinto Capital, with the growing interest and popularity of women’s rugby among the masses. Coming off the 2024 Paris Olympic Games where the USA Eagles took a Bronze medal, interest in women’s rugby spiked in the US with USA Club Rugby noting a spike of 64% in registered members for the 2024-2025 season. Men, women, non-binary and gender-diverse individuals all saw an increase in participation and registration within the organization after the Paris Olympics with women making up 45% of new players .

Women’s rugby valuation is on the rise as businesswoman and entrepreneur Michelle Kang, who has invested in various women’s sports entities including the National Women’s Soccer League’s (NWSL) Washington Spirit, donated $4 million to USA Rugby 7s team.

In the UK, women’s rugby is also growing with Sports England highlighting that the number of women playing rugby has grown from 25,000 to 40,000 from 2017 to 2022 . Particularly, US superstar IIona Maher has seen her stardom pay off overseas, since joining the Bristol Bears, she debuted to a sold out crowd of 9,240 fans which was double their previous crowd. Maher’s valuation continues to soar as she recently signed a multi-year deal with Adidas , demonstrating that rugby players can be featured on the world stage as global ambassadors alongside other sport athletes.

Launching its inaugural season in March 2025, Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) is set to be an exhilarating new league featuring six professional teams competing across the U.S. The first game of the WER season is Saturday, March 22 with the New York Exiles hosting the Boston Banshees at Memorial Stadium in Mt. Vernon at 3pm (EST). The regular season will run March 22 through June 14 with matches being played on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. To see the full schedule and purchase tickets, please visit the WER website: https://www.womenseliterugby.us/2025-schedule .

“We are thrilled to have Pinto Capital on board with us at WER,” said WER President Jessica Hammond Graf. “Pinto Capital brings a wealth of experience having worked with premier leagues and teams around the world. We have no doubt that our partnership together will elevate our league to new levels that assist us in furthering our mission to provide a world class rugby league for our athletes, coaches and fans.”

For media members interested in speaking to a WER representative about Pinto Capital LLP and any other topics regarding the league, please contact Sam Pell at wer@lindarothpr.com . For the latest news and update, follow WER on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and LinkedIn .

 About WER

IDA Sports Become Official Footwear Partner Of Women’s Elite Rugby

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 14:02:08 GMT

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UNITED STATES — Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) is thrilled to announce a one year partnership with IDA Sports and World Rugby Shop prior to WER’s inaugural 2025 season. As the Official Footwear Partner of WER, IDA will offer each of the 180 athletes a pair of their women's specific cleats specifically designed for their needs. In addition, WER is also partnering with World Rugby Shop, who will sell IDA’s women’s specific cleats on their website and provide WER athletes with their rugby needs throughout the season.

“We are ecstatic to partner with IDA, as they are a company providing footwear for women athletes, specifically designed for them, something that has been greatly missing in the sport market,” said WER President Jessica Hammond-Graf . “We are thrilled to have such a prominent women's sports company and advocate come on board with our league and help push our athletes to new heights.”

IDA also shared in their excitement about the partnership with WER: “On behalf of everyone at IDA, we are thrilled to partner with Women's Elite Rugby for their inaugural season, and we're excited to be able to show up and support women's rugby players in the U.S. during this landmark moment. Many rugby players have already found comfort in our cleats and as the game of rugby continues to grow, we're energized by the opportunity to elevate the game and its athletes even further through this collaboration," said IDA Co-Founder and CEO, Laura Youngson.

World Rugby Shop also shared in the enthusiasm of working with IDA and WER: “The women’s game is such a vital part of the rugby landscape in the US and around the world, but hasn’t always gotten the attention it deserves both with equipment and visibility. Our mission at World Rugby Shop is a simple one: make it easy for people to get the gear they need to be a part of the sport. Partnering with the WER and IDA perfectly aligns with our mission.

We are committed to offering more for women in our sport. Partnering with WER gives our female athletes more opportunities to play and showcase their skills. And IDA gives us the chance to expand our women’s rugby range and make it easier for players to get the gear they need to succeed. We are proud to be partner with both organizations in this important step forward for women’s rugby in the US”, said Jazz Blalock, Marketing and Partnership Manager at World Rugby Shop .

Beyond the players in the league reaping the benefits of this partnership, fans will have the chance to win IDA and World Rugby Shop gear in their local team markets via social media giveaways throughout the season.

To learn more about the league and other exciting league news, please follow WER on their social media platforms @rugbyevolved or check out the league’s website at https://www.womenseliterugby.us/ . For any media requests please reach out to wer@lindarothpr.com .

About IDA

IDA exists to prioritize high performance and comfortable footwear for athletes who have traditionally been an afterthought. From the grassroots to the pros, we believe women and girls should have greater choice and access to the best equipment when they step onto the field.

"UNISEX" IS NOT ENOUGH: Why women's specific? Because there are anatomical differences between male and female feet, and "unisex" is not enough when it comes to footwear. Women deserve cleats that support their unique biomechanics on the field. The industry has ignored women for decades, so we took a stand. We didn’t do it alone though. From podiatrists and physios to players in the grassroots and the pros, we built IDA with you and with you in mind. Built for women. Backed by science.

About World Rugby Shop

Our mission at World Rugby Shop is a simple one: ‘Make it easy for people to get the gear they need to be a part of rugby’. When we got started 25 years ago getting rugby gear was far from a simple task and so we set out to make it as easy and cost effective as we possibly could. We figured if we could do that it would help grow the sport we love in a very tangible way by removing yet another barrier- and give us an excuse to bring in the gear we wanted!

Our drive to grow the game is just as strong today as our drive to provide our customers with the best gear and service in the industry. We are honored to have been able to serve the Rugby Community for all these years. Come see what we are doing at www.WorldRugbyShop.com .

About WER

After the 2022 “Ignite the Change” campaign seeking to professionalize women’s rugby in the United States from the former Women’s Premier League Rugby player-run and operated amateur league, Women’s Elite Rugby was founded and formed. The league announced their official launch in 2024 with their inaugural season starting in March 2025 centering six teams in Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York, Bay Area, and Twin Cities featuring 180 athletes.

Women’s Elite Rugby Announces Partnership with Destination Sport Group

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 14:00:10 GMT

UNITED STATES (March 10, 2025) – Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) is thrilled to announce a new multi-year partnership with Destination Sport Group , as the leading sports travel management company becomes the Official Travel Partner of the premier women’s rugby league in the United States.

Destination Sport Travel, the group’s specialist travel management division, will provide proactive support to WER and its six clubs, coordinating flights, accommodation and logistics for travelling teams, alongside business travel support for staff and executives.

Launching its inaugural season in March 2025, Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) is set to be an exhilarating new league featuring six professional teams competing across the U.S. The first game of the WER season is Saturday, March 22 with the New York Exiles hosting the Boston Banshees at Memorial Stadium in Mt. Vernon at 4pm (EST). The regular season will run March 22 through June 14 with matches being played on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. To see the full schedule and purchase tickets, please visit the WER website: https://www.womenseliterugby.us/2025-schedule.

As the partnership evolves, Destination Sport Group will also work with WER to create touring opportunities for grassroots rugby-playing organizations and fan travel experiences via its inspiresport and SportsBreaks brands.

“Women's Elite Rugby is thrilled to partner with travel industry leader Destination Sport Travel for all of our travel needs for the season,” said Jessica Hammond-Graf, WER President. “This collaboration will not only provide seamless travel solutions for our teams, but it also demonstrates DST's commitment to rugby and the growth of women's sports. We are proud to call them our partners as we launch our inaugural season.”

Destination Sport Group operates across North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania, establishing itself as a global leader in sports travel management. The company boasts significant involvement in professional rugby globally, including existing partnerships with Major League Rugby and elite clubs, national teams and governing bodies around the world.

President of Destination Sport North America, Jeremy Parkins, added:

“We are proud to be a major partner of rugby’s global footprint. Our partnership with Women’s Elite Rugby continues to exemplify our priority in the growth of Women’s sports and the sport of Rugby. In North America, we’re committed to playing our part through our successful partnership with Major League Rugby and we are eager to replicate this success with Women’s Elite Rugby.”

For media members interested in speaking to a WER representative about the partnership with Destination Sport Group or any other topics regarding the league, please contact Sam Pell at wer@lindarothpr.com. For the latest news and update, follow WER on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

About WER

About Destination Sport Group

Destination Sport Group (DSG) is a global leader in sports travel, offering a range of best-in-class services to teams, governing bodies, organisations and fans worldwide. Comprising seven specialist divisions, DSG offers a comprehensive solution including travel management for elite sports organisations, fan travel experiences, youth sports tours, branded travel and hospitality experiences, and mass participation event travel. With 400+ employees across UK and Europe, North America, Middle East, Asia and Oceania, Destination Sport Group combines local insights with global expertise.

Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) Releases Venues, Schedule, and Tickets ahead of Inaugural Kickoff in March

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 17:00:00 GMT

Written by Allison Smith, WER

UNITED STATES— Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) reveals the locations of their venues and stadiums along with the league’s schedule for its inaugural season, following the exciting launch of the teams crests and colors.

The venues and stadiums were intentionally selected by the league to be community driven and known for being places that bring people together. Additionally, the league selected these stadiums to hold smaller to mid-size crowds to allow for an intimate experience where fans feel they are a part of the matches and experience the hits, tackles, and tries alongside the teams themselves. The venues selected were also about providing the players with elite playing experiences said President Jessica Hammond-Graf, “Stepping onto these elite level pitches isn’t just about the game – it’s about showing the world that women’s rugby deserves the same stage, the same respect, and the same opportunities to shine. The excitement is more than just in playing the game; it’s in knowing we’re elevating the sport with every match.”

Bay Breakers will compete at Grape Bowl Stadium in Lodi, CA approximately 30 minutes away from Stockton and Sacramento CA. The field itself is artificial turf as the stadium is used for multi-sports including soccer, football, lacrosse, and now rugby. The stadium holds 5,000 fans using stadium seating, including areas for accessibility. The stadium’s location in the city of Lodi is known for its rich history and tie to the wine and agricultural roots of the region, which is reflected in the name of the stadium itself. Lodi is no stranger to professional sports either — the city was home to Class A affiliates of the San Diego Padres in 1970-71, Baltimore Orioles in 1974-75 and the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1976-1983.

Boston Banshees will start the season at Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Stadium in Quincy and play their final three matches at The Stadium at Tidewater Stadium Landing in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Veterans Memorial Stadium is home to the back-to-back MLR champion Free Jacks, and is a staple of the South Shore community as it hosts a wide variety of sports while utilizing a turf field to allow for versatility. With the stadium’s location only eight miles from downtown Boston, and a short walk from the MBTA subway red line, fans will be able to access matches from multiple parts of New England while being able to enjoy Quincy’s many famous restaurants and pubs nearby. The stadium employs bleacher, seatback, and premier seating and can hold 5,000 fans including wheelchair accessible seating to watch the Banshees play their league rivals. For the final three matches of the season, the Banshees will play at The Stadium at Tidewater Stadium Landing, home to Rhode Island FC, reigning Eastern Conference Champions of the United Soccer League (USL). Fans can get a glimpse of what to expect from the state-of-the-art, 10,500+ capacity riverfront stadium opening in April by visiting rhodeislandfc.com .

Chicago Tempest will battle their opponents at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium on the campus of Northwestern University. The stadium, currently adapted to accommodate the University’s football team, can hold upwards of 5,000 seats, including accessible seating, allowing Tempest fans to be up close and personal to the action on the artificial turf pitch. Martin Stadium is located in the hub of the athletic campus of Northwestern, allowing fans to be engulfed in multiple sports in the space. The stadium overlooks Lake Michigan and on clear days allows for picturesque views of the lake and nature.

Denver Onyx will challenge their league rivals at Infinity Park in Glendale CO, an inner suburb surrounded on all sides by the City of Denver. Infinity Park was specifically built and designed for rugby as it hosted the former iteration of the league, the Women’s Premier League’s Glendale Merlins/Colorado Grey Wolves, as well as Major League Rugby’s Glendale Raptors. The stadium has a capacity of approximately 3,200 for sporting events, including accessible seating and also suite and VIP seating, which highlights the electric and high-stake rugby matches played there. As the park was built with rugby in mind, the pitch uses a natural grass surface that matches international rugby standards.

New York Exiles will face off at the Stadium at Memorial Field , named in honor of veterans, in Mount Vernon NY. The stadium sits north of the Bronx, close to Yonkers, NY. The stadium can seat 4,000-5,000 fans using a mix of bleachers and open areas. As the stadium is part of the community, it serves multiple sports and levels of play from youth to interscholastic to professional. The construction and renovation of the stadium took accessibility in mind by including ADA compliant entrances, seating, and ramps.

Twin Cities Gemini will compete at TCO Stadium , which is connected to the Minnesota Vikings World Headquarters and Training Facility located in Eagan, MN, a suburb of Minneapolis. TCO Stadium features an artificial turf designed to weather the harsh conditions of Minnesota. Additionally, TCO Stadium can accommodate up to 7,000 fans with accessible seating and hospitality areas. Centrally located on the Viking Lakes campus, a multi-use development home to Omni Viking Lakes Hotel, Viking Lakes Residences and a variety of best-in-class commercial, medical and retail tenants, TCO Stadium was built around the mission of cultivating a healthy, active lifestyle while hosting a wide range of community events and programs.

WER also announces their complete thirteen week season schedule with the first match taking place Saturday, March 22 with the New York Exiles hosting the Boston Banshees at Memorial Stadium in Mt. Vernon at 4 pm (EST). The regular season will run March 22 through June 14 with matches being played on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. To see the full schedule and purchase tickets, please visit the WER website: https://www.womenseliterugby.us/2025-schedule .

About WER

To learn more about the team’s venues, please follow WER on their social media platforms @rugbyevolved or check out the league’s website at https://www.womenseliterugby.us/. After the 2022 “Ignite the Change” campaign seeking to professionalize women’s rugby in the United States from the former Women’s Premier League Rugby player-run and operated amateur league, Women’s Elite Rugby was founded and formed. The league announced their official launch in 2024 with their inaugural season starting in March 2025 centering six teams in Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York, Bay Area, and Twin Cities featuring 180 athletes.

For more information, please contact:
Women’s Elite Rugby
E: media@womenseliterugby.us

https://www.womenseliterugby.us/

New York Exiles Announce 2025 Athlete Roster

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 19:30:00 GMT

Written by Ro Lane, WER

Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) team, the New York Exiles , today announced its team roster for the WER inaugural season. The Exiles roster is composed of 30 players – 15 forwards and 15 backs. The team, coached by Diego Maquieira , will make its debut appearance this March. WER is the first professional women’s rugby league in the United States, and is building up an exciting and inspiring initial season.

Maquieira has strategically assembled a powerhouse team, blending homegrown talent and years of experience. “This roster is loaded with a mix of upcoming stars and grizzled vets who are looking to establish an exciting brand of rugby that will make the city proud. We’re looking forward to putting on a show for our fans and stamping our place amongst the storied professional sports franchises that call New York home,” said head coach Maquieira. The Exiles roster comprises 27 Women’s Premier League alumni, 23 of whom played for the local New York Rugby Club, and 4 athletes with international experience representing their countries.

Inaugural 2025 New York Exiles Roster

Forwards: Kristin Aliberto, Emily Brower, Nic Carroll, Adriana Castillo , Gio Cruz, Justina DeBruzzi, Misha Green-Yotts , Kayla Hunkin-Clark, Corina Kaiser, Faith Morley, Cam Osses, Caoimhe O'Sullivan Roche, Jessie Ruiz, Cari Pick, Daisy Titus

Backs: Liz Berridge, Scout Cheeks, Chloe Correia, Tess Feury, Sophie Frick, Jade Greenfield, Matilda Kocaj , Jordyn Marlin, Sarah Minahan, Congetta "Jetta" Owens , Gabrielle Pennino, Nikki Richardson, Shamira Robles, Jenn Salomon-Clayton , Denisse Zambon Regalado

Earlier this month , the Exiles announced their Foundational Five (F5) players, who are recognized leaders and trailblazers for the team. These players, Adriana Castillo, Jenn Salomon-Clayton, Matilda Kocaj, Congetta “Jetta” Owens and Misha “Mish” Green-Yotts, are joined by the rest of this exciting roster of players to create the Exiles’ determined and gritty team that is ready to take on WER’s inaugural season.

Ahead of the franchise’s season opener, the Exiles begin preseason conditioning and practice this week, after all players are cleared as ready-to-play. As one of WER’s flagship franchises, alongside teams in Boston, Chicago, Denver, San Francisco Bay Area and Twin Cities, the New York Exiles are competing for the WER Legacy Cup with the established franchise teams. The 2024 Legacy Cup, the first WER championship, was won by the WPL’s Denver Gray Wolves against the All Blues. As the premier full season of the WER takes place, fans can keep up with the New York Exiles via the Exiles’ website, womenseliterugby.us/new-york-exiles , and Instagram, @wer_exiles.

About New York Exiles

The New York Exiles are one of six flagship franchises of women’s professional rugby in the United States, formed by Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) . Coached by Diego Maquieira , who has competed and coached at the elite level, the Exiles aim to embody its namesake as a team that defines itself with its grit and opportunity. With a top-notch roster of 30 select players, the Exiles are set to kick off their season this March. For more information, visit the team’s website, womenseliterugby.us/new-york-exiles and follow the team on Instagram @wer_exiles.

About WER

After the 2022 “Ignite the Change” campaign which sought to professionalize women’s rugby in the United States from the former player run and operated amateur league (WPL), Women’s Elite Rugby was founded and formed. The league announced their official launch in 2024 with the inaugural season starting in March 2025. The season will center six teams in Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York, San Francisco Bay Area, and Twin Cities and feature 180 athletes.

For more information, please contact:

Women’s Elite Rugby

inquiries@womenseliterugby.us

Boston Banshees Announce 2025 Athlete Roster

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 19:30:00 GMT

Written by Ro Lane, WER

Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) team, the Boston Banshees , today announced its team roster for the WER inaugural season. The Banshees roster is composed of 27 players – 15 forwards and 12 backs. The team, coached by Kittery Ruiz , will make its debut appearance this March. WER is the first professional women’s rugby league in the United States, and is building up to an exciting and inspiring initial season.

The Banshees roster comprises a healthy mix of experience, with 21 athletes having experience with the Boston-based Beantown RFC amateur club of the Women’s Premier League, and 4 capped USA National team players. “Building the Banshees isn't just about creating a team - it's about creating a legacy. When our players step onto the field, they carry more than just our gameplan. They carry the spirit of every woman+ who ever dreamed of playing professional rugby but never had the chance. Being part of the first-ever women's+ professional rugby league in America isn't just an honor, it's a revolution. We're not just playing games, we're breaking barriers. Our trailblazing athletes are rewriting what's possible in American rugby. Like the banshee of legend, our presence will be felt, our impact will be unmistakable, and our voice in this sport will echo far beyond Boston,” said head coach Kittery Ruiz of the impact of her team.

Inaugural 2025 Boston Banshees Roster

Forwards: Eliza Altobelli, Catie Benson, Salma Bezzat, Yeja Dunn , Lauren Ferridge , Jenny Kronish, Nickky Nguyen, Q Okine , Angie Owen, Genevieve Quirion, Kaitlyn Sosa, Paige Stathopoulos , Shelby Vance, Caitlin Weigel, Oliver Wright

Backs: Natalie Armatage, Cassidy Bargell , Ashley Cowdrey, Morgan Cunningham, Rachael Harkavy, Emily Henrich , Jenni Laferriere, Katie Lohaus, Alexandra Pipkin, Emma Santosuosso, Abbey Savin, Amanda Schweitzer

Earlier this month, the Banshees announced their Foundational Five (F5) players, who are recognized leaders and trailblazers for the team. These players, Cassidy “Cass” Bargell, Yejadai “Yeja” Dunn, Emily “Em” Henrich, Q Okine and Paige Stathopoulos, are joined by the rest of this exciting roster to create the Banshees robust and otherworldly team that is ready to take on WER’s inaugural season.

Ahead of the franchise’s season opener, the Banshees begin preseason conditioning and practice this week, after all players are cleared as ready-to-play. As one of WER’s flagship franchises, alongside teams in Chicago, Denver, New York, San Francisco Bay Area and Twin Cities, the Boston Banshees are competing for the WER Legacy Cup with the established franchise teams. The 2024 Legacy Cup, the first WER championship, was won by the WPL’s Gray Wolves against the All Blues. As the premier full season of the WER takes place, fans can keep up with the Boston Banshees via the Banshees website, womenseliterugby.us/boston-banshees and Instagram, @wer_banshees.

About Boston Banshees

The Boston Banshees are one of six flagship franchises of women’s professional rugby in the United States, formed by Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) . Coached by Kittery Ruiz , who has competed and coached at the elite level, the Banshees aim to embody its namesake as harbingers of doom to their opponents. With a top-notch roster of 27 select players, the Banshees are set to kick off their season this March. For more information, visit the team’s website, womenseliterugby.us/boston-banshees and follow the team on Instagram @wer_banshees.

About WER

For more information, please contact:

Women’s Elite Rugby

inquiries@womenseliterugby.us

TC Gemini Announce 2025 Athlete Roster

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 19:30:00 GMT

Written by Ro Lane, WER

Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) team, the Twin Cities (TC) Gemini , today announced its team roster for the WER inaugural season. The Gemini roster is composed of 29 players – 17 forwards and 12 backs. The team, coached by Sylvia Braaten , will make its debut appearance this March. WER is the first professional women’s rugby league in the United States, and is building up an exciting and inspiring initial season.

“We couldn't be more excited about our team and the upcoming inaugural WER season. Our players are hungry and have proven they are ready to put in the work and build this pre-season. Some of the key factors we were looking for when selecting our team was work rate, ability to beat defenders and dominate collisions. We're excited to showcase that tenacity and aggression on both sides of the ball this season. We've brought in several players from outside our market to join with our local talent pool so we are putting a lot of focus into building cohesion and connection on and off the pitch. When we get that right, we'll have the ability to turn heads this season,” said head coach Sylvia Braaten, looking to build on a strong coalition of rugby in the Twin Cities. The Gemini roster includes 19 athletes who played in the Women’s Premier League, 12 of whom have been part of the local Twin Cities Amazons club. Braaten’s list also includes 3 athletes with USA National Team experience.

Inaugural 2025 Twin Cities Gemini Roster

Forwards: Emerson Allen , Sam Brackett, Brooke Doerscher, Ali Gillberg, Marisa Hall , Abbey Jacobs , Emilee Jalosuo, Emily Juhl, Alivia Leatherman, Lucy Leatherman, Emily Mack, Katrina Nunes , Antonina O'Neill, Hannah Pfersch, Josie Rogers, Tara Viken, Mikey Williams

Backs: Sam Black, Ciara Clawson, Isabelle Currie, Bianca Curtis, Kailynn Hampton, Maggie Kleyer, Kayla Lawson, Desiree Leaupepe, Serena Liu, Joana Marrese, Tatyana Reed, Trinity Todd

Earlier this month , the Gemini announced their Foundational Five (F5) players, who are recognized leaders and trailblazers for the team. These players, Emerson Allen, Abbey Jacobs, Marisa “Ris” Hall, Katrina “Trina” Nunes, and Tatyana Reed, are joined by this exciting roster of players to create the Gemini’s tenacious and unstoppable force team that is ready to take on WER’s inaugural season.

Ahead of the franchise’s season opener, the Gemini begin preseason conditioning and practice this week, after all players are cleared as ready-to-play. As one of WER’s flagship franchises, alongside teams in Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York and San Francisco Bay Area, the TC Gemini are competing for the WER Legacy Cup with the established franchise teams. The 2024 Legacy Cup, the first WER championship, was won by the WPL’s Denver Gray Wolves against the All Blues. As the premier full season of the WER takes place, fans can keep up with the TC Gemini via the Gemini’s website, womenseliterugby.us/tc-gemini , and Instagram, @wer_gemini.

About Twin Cities Gemini

The Twin Cities (TC) Gemini are one of six flagship franchises of women’s professional rugby in the United States, formed by Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) . Coached by Sylvia Braaten , who has competed and coached at the elite level, the Gemini aim to embody its namesake as a team that is united in strength and unyielding in battle. With a top-notch roster of 29 select players, the Gemini are set to kick off their season this March. For more information, visit the team’s website, womenseliterugby.us/tc-gemini and follow the team on Instagram @wer_gemini.

About WER

For more information, please contact:

Women’s Elite Rugby

inquiries@womenseliterugby.us

Chicago Tempest Announce 2025 Athlete Roster

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 19:30:00 GMT

Written by Ro Lane, WER

Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) team, the Chicago Tempest , today announced its team roster for the WER inaugural season. The Tempest roster is composed of 30 players – 17 forwards and 13 backs. The team, coached by Bryan Colbridge , will make its debut appearance this March. WER is the first professional women’s rugby league in the United States, and is building up an exciting and inspiring initial season.

“With a huge amount of talent declaring for the WER, I am thrilled with the squad that we have assembled for Chicago Tempest, with players from around the US and beyond that fit the style of rugby we're building towards. We have selected players with a rich blend of cultures, backgrounds and experiences, exciting young players recently out of college and a handful of leaders with a large number of rugby years under their belt. With a focus on attacking flair and fluidity and relentless defensive commitment, all players bring a superstrength to the table, offering a range of complementary skills and the ability to gel quickly as a group,” said Colbridge of the dynamic group. The Tempest roster boasts 18 Women’s Premier League alums, 14 of whom played with the local Chicago North Shore club. The athletes also bring experience at the international and professional level.

Inaugural 2025 Chicago Tempest Roster

Forwards: Ubaida Ahmed, Abby Albrecht, Sarah (Esther) Anderson, Ilene Andrade, Kit Buzby, Sarah Curvin, Anabel Diaz , Tito Harrison, Christen Jackson, Narcisse Jordan, Katie Lamont, Amaryha McGowan, Ashley Mencke, Olga Niyibizi, Ellie Reiter, Kadie Sanford , Jayla Twitty

Backs: Isla Alejandro, MarCaya Bailous, Hali Deters, Jess Dombrowski, Erika Farias, Emma Farnan , Nicole Fisch, Lauren Kuffel, Betty Nguyen , Indigo Niznik-Darden, Adriana Mendoza Silva, Brooke Walklate, Taylor White

Earlier this month, the Tempest announced their Foundational Five (F5) players, who are recognized leaders and trailblazers for the team. Unfortunately, Cienna Jordan, who was previously announced as an F5 athlete, sustained an injury outside of WER competition and has been moved to the Injured Reserve list. The remaining F5 athletes — Anabel Diaz, Emma Farnan, Betty Nguyen, and Kadie Sanford — are joined by the rest of this fierce roster of players to create the Tempest’s unyielding and powerful team that is ready to take on WER’s inaugural season.

Ahead of the franchise’s season opener, the Tempest begin preseason conditioning and practice this week, after all players are cleared as ready-to-play. As one of WER’s flagship franchises, alongside teams in Boston, Denver, New York, San Francisco Bay Area and Twin Cities, the Chicago Tempest are competing for the WER Legacy Cup with the established franchise teams. The 2024 Legacy Cup, the first WER championship, was won by the WPL’s Gray Wolves against the All Blues. As the premier full season of the WER takes place, fans can keep up with the Chicago Tempest via the Tempest’s website, womenseliterugby.us/chicago-tempest and Instagram, @wer_tempest.

About Chicago Tempest

The Chicago Tempest are one of six flagship franchises of women’s professional rugby in the United States, formed by Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) . Coached by Bryan Colbridge , who has competed and coached at the elite level, the Tempest aim to embody its namesake as a relentless, destructive storm on the field. With a top-notch roster of 30 select players, the Tempest are set to kick off their season this March. For more information, visit the team’s website, womenseliterugby.us/chicago-tempest and follow the team on Instagram @wer_tempest.

About WER

For more information, please contact:

Women’s Elite Rugby

inquiries@womenseliterugby.us

Bay Breakers Announce 2025 Athlete Roster

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 19:30:00 GMT

Written by Ro Lane, WER

Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) team, the Bay Breakers , today announced its team roster for the WER inaugural season. The Breakers roster is composed of 30 players – 17 forwards and 13 backs. The team, coached by Hannah Stolba , will make its debut in March. WER is the first professional women’s rugby league in the United States, and is building up to an exciting and inspiring initial season.

When asked about the potential for this team, head coach Stolba said, “I can’t wait for this year and for folks to see this Breakers team. I’m excited for them to bring fun, fast, aggressive rugby to the Bay Area fans.” The team features 26 players with experience in the Women’s Premier League, with 19 of those athletes having played with the local ALl Blues Rugby club. The roster also includes 4 players with USA National Team experience.

2025 Bay Breakers Roster

Forwards: Dana Alimena, Isabela Gonzalez Berazueta Burgos, Hope Cooper, Elena Edwards , Paris Hart, Ari Jurkowski, Sophia Lamphier, Celine Liulamaga , Monica Marquez, Roz Okpara, Roxelle Thomas , Cassandra Tong, Kathryn Treder, Mona Lisa Tupou, Sierra Watkins, Tonya Wessman, Abby Vogel

Backs: Olivia Bernadel-Huey, Naomi Carrillo, Kathryn Clark, Evan Hoese, Leyla Alev Kelter, Shelby Lin, Miriama Marawa, Bulou Mataitoga, Jade McGrath , Aly Namosimalua, Aimee Ramos, Kristen Siano, Taina Tukuafu

Earlier this month, the Breakers announced their Foundational Five (F5) players, who are recognized leaders and trailblazers for the team. These players, Olivia “OBH” Bernadel-Huey, Elena “E” Edwards, Celine Liulamaga, Jade McGrath and Roxelle “Rox” Thomas, are joined by the rest of this powerful roster to create a dynamic and relentless team that is ready to take on the inaugural WER season.

Ahead of the franchise’s season opener, the Breakers begin preseason conditioning and practice this week, after all players are cleared as ready-to-play. As one of WER’s flagship franchises, alongside teams in Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York and Twin Cities, the Bay Breakers are competing for the 2025 WER Legacy Cup. The 2024 Legacy Cup, the first WER championship, was won by the WPL’s Gray Wolves against the All Blues. As the first season of the WER takes place, fans can keep up with the Bay Breakers via the Breakers website, womenseliterugby.us/bay-breakers , and Instagram, @wer_breakers.

About Bay Breakers

The Bay Breakers are one of six flagship franchises of women’s professional rugby in the United States, formed by Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) . Coached by Hannah Stolba , who has competed and coached at the elite level, the Breakers aim to embody its namesake, harnessing the power and unpredictability of the Pacific Ocean. With a top-notch roster of 30 select players, the Breakers are set to kick off their season this March. For more information, visit the team’s website, womenseliterugby.us/bay-breakers , and follow the team on Instagram @wer_breakers.

About WER

For more information, please contact:

Women’s Elite Rugby

inquiries@womenseliterugby.us

Denver Onyx Announce 2025 Athlete Roster

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 19:30:00 GMT

Written by Ro Lane, WER

Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) team, the Denver Onyx , today announced its team roster for the WER inaugural season. The Onyx roster is composed of 29 players – 16 forwards and 13 backs. The team, coached by Sarah Chobot , will make its debut appearance this March. WER is the first professional women’s rugby league in the United States, and is building up an exciting and inspiring initial season.

When asked what the Onyx will bring to the inaugural season, head coach Chobot said, “I am very excited to push this team to play a fun brand of rugby. Top to bottom, they’re good rugby players, and tremendous humans! This team is spicy, so bring the milk and get ready to be entertained!” The Onyx have a strong fleet of Women’s Premier League alumni, with 26 of 29 players having played in the amateur league previously. Chobot’s team also brings a wealth of international experience, with 8 capped USA National Team athletes on the roster.

Inaugural 2025 Denver Onyx Roster

Forwards: Kapoina Bailey, Jeanna Beard, Tahlia Brody, Sheila Decker, Rachel Ehrecke , Saher Hamdan, Carson Hann, Rachel Johnson, Laura LaVigne, Maya Learned, Hannah Long, Evie Oglesby, Gabby Rivera, Gianna Solomon, Amy Spafford, Hallie Taufoou

Backs: Alessandra Bender Cruz, Kristin Bitter, KB Slaughter, Monique Coffey, Erica Coulibaly , Denali Graham, McKenzie Hawkins, Kianna Lally, Kelsie O'Brien, Justine Perl, Julie Tordonato, Carly Waters, Tahna Wilfley

Earlier this month the Onyx announced their Foundational Five (F5) players, who are recognized leaders and trailblazers for the team. These players, Erica “Rica” Coulibaly, Rachel Ehrecke, McKenzie Hawkins, Maya Learned and Tahna “T” Wilfley, are joined by the rest of this exciting roster of players to create the Onyx’s resilient and unbreakable team that is ready to take on WER’s inaugural season.

Ahead of the franchise’s season opener, the Onyx begin preseason conditioning and practice this week, after all players are cleared as ready-to-play. As one of WER’s flagship franchises, alongside teams in Boston, Chicago, New York, San Francisco Bay Area and Twin Cities, the Denver Onyx are competing for the WER Legacy Cup with the established franchise teams. The 2024 Legacy Cup, the first WER championship, was won by the WPL’s Denver Gray Wolves against the All Blues. As the premier full season of the WER takes place, fans can keep up with the Denver Onyx schedule, kicking off in March, via the Onyx’s website, womenseliterugby.us/denver-onyx , and Instagram, @wer_denver.

About Denver Onyx

The Denver Onyx are one of six flagship franchises of women’s professional rugby in the United States, formed by Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) . Coached by Sarah Chobot, who has competed and coached at the elite level, the Onyx aim to embody its namesake as a rare, resilient and relentless team. With a top-notch roster of 29 select players, the Onyx are set to kick off their season this March. For more information, visit the team’s website, womenseliterugby.us/denver-onyx and follow the team on Instagram @wer_denver.

About WER

For more information, please contact:

Women’s Elite Rugby

inquiries@womenseliterugby.us

Boston Banshees Announces Their Foundational Five Players Ahead of the League’s Inaugural Season

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 17:00:00 GMT

WRITTEN BY Allison Smith, WER

UNITED STATES— Women’s Elite Rugby (WER), which will be the first professional women’s rugby league in the United States, reveals their foundational five (F5) players for each of the six market teams in preparation for their inaugural season starting in March of this year.

Coming off the announcement of their team names and crests last week, WER continues to build on the momentum and excitement of the league by announcing foundational five players for each team. Each coach drafted five players for their team with the goal to build dynamic and diverse groups that span positions, but also have connections to the city and communities that they will play in. "We are thrilled to announce the foundational five players for each of our six market teams. Our head coaches selected foundational players of the highest caliber and talent in terms of their on pitch play and expertise but also their off pitch leadership and community connection to lead their teams this season. Additionally, these players have an enduring commitment to the game of rugby and continue to work to grow the game here at WER and beyond", said WER President Dr. Jessica Hammond-Graf .

For Boston, head coach Kittery Ruiz selected Cassidy “Cass” Bargell (Silverthome, CO), Yejadai “Yeja” Dunn (Apple Valley, CA), Emily “Em” Henrich (Orchard Park, NY), Akweley “Q” Okine (West Chester, PA), and Paige Stathopoulos (East Sandwich, MA). Ruiz brings a wealth of experience to the helm of WER Boston and has close ties to New England as she has previously coached as an assistant at Brown University, served as head coach of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) Beantown team, as well as serving as the WPL’s commissioner from 2019 to 2022. Ruiz also brings national team experience into her new role as both a player and coach having played for the USA Women’s National Team 15s from 2006 to 2014 and played in the 2014 World Cup in France, as well serving as an assistant coach for the team since 2023.

Boston Banshees Foundational Five Players

Cass Bargell is from Silverthorne, CO where along with being a multi-sport athlete participating in basketball, gymnastics, swimming, skiing, and snowboarding, she played for Summit High School from 2013 to 2018. No stranger to excellence, Bargell was a state champion every year at Summit and brings a wealth of experience to Coach Ruiz’s roster. Bargell played for Harvard from 2018 to 2022 where she won a National Intercollegiate Rugby Association (NIRA) championship in 2019, Beantown RFC in 2024, and was a member of the USA 7s/15s development pathways from 2016 to 2024 which led to her selection to the USA Senior National 15s in 2024. For WER Boston, Bargell will play the nine, half-scrum position. “Cassidy has faced significant personal challenges to make it back onto the pitch. From the rugby fields of Harvard to representing the USA on the world stage, her story is one of extraordinary resilience. Every setback, every obstacle, became fuel for her relentless pursuit of greatness. She didn’t just overcome her challenges—she transformed them into the strength that defines her as a player and a champion”, said Ruiz.

Yeja Dunn from Apple Valley, CA brings versatility to WER Boston as they will play the hooker, two position, and eight-man for the team. Dunn is no stranger to the New England areas as they played for Dartmouth College from 2012 to 2016, where they were selected as an USA Rugby Collegiate All-American in 2015 and 2016. They also played for Beantown RFC from 2016 to 2024 and were selected to join the USA Player Pool from 2016 to 2018 and again from 2022 to 2024. According to Ruiz, Dunn’s leadership makes them stand out as an unequivocal F5 selection for Boston, “Yeja has been a cornerstone of Beantown for the past eight WPL seasons, a true leader both on and off the field. Their dedication to rugby runs deep, from their time at Dartmouth to forging their path through the USA pathways. With every tackle, every pass, and every step, they’ve shown what it means to lead with heart, commitment, and an unwavering passion for the game.”

Q Okine from West Chester, PA will play the loosehead prop, one position, and second row/lock (4/5 positions) for WER Boston. Similar to her other F5 teammates, Okine has strong ties to New England having played for Harvard from 2015 to 2019 where she became a NIRA champion in 2019 alongside Bargell. After college Okine played for the WPL’s Colorado Grey Wolves (formerly known as the Glendale Merlins) from 2019 to 2020 where she won a league championship before joining Beantown RFC in 2022 where she would play until 2024. “As a strong leader on Beantown, Q embodies the spirit of dedication, showing that true athletes don't just play the game—they elevate it. From two WPL teams to the storied fields of Harvard, she has proven that leadership extends far beyond the pitch. It’s about resilience, commitment, and the ability to inspire others to rise to their fullest potential. Her journey stands as a powerful example of how leadership is earned, not given, and how athletes redefine the game with both heart and hard work”, said Ruiz.

Emily Henrich from Orchard Park, NY has been a highly successful athlete for quite some time as she was nationally ranked aerial skier winning the USA Eastern Championships in 2014. Additionally, Henrich lettered for her soccer and basketball teams at Orchard Park High School. As a rugby player, Henrich was a three-time High School All-American (2014-2016) before moving on to play at Dartmouth from 2018 to 2023. She was named a U20 All-American in 2017 and 2018, U23 All-American in 2023. Henrich also brings international experience to WER Boston as she has 20 caps with USA Eagles 15s, the first being in November 2018 against the Black Ferns and was a silver medalist in the 2019 Pan American Games with USA 7s. In the league’s former iteration, Henrich played for Beantown RFC (2022-2024) and also plays center for the Leicester Tigers in the Premiership Women’s Rugby League. Ruiz expressed the elation of adding Henrich to her squad, stating, “From Dartmouth through the USA Rugby pathways, and now standing proudly on the world stage, her journey is defined by unwavering determination and heart. Returning from the PWR to represent Boston in its inaugural season, she’s not just playing the game—she’s shaping its future. Every setback has been a stepping stone, every new chapter an opportunity to lead and inspire. She proves that with hard work, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, anything is possible.”

Paige Stathopoulos, the hometown kid from East Sandwich, MA rounds out WER Boston’s F5 players selected by Coach Ruiz. Stathopoulos found rugby in college at Boston University where she also played ice hockey for the Terriers from 2012 to 2016. She then went on to play for Northeast Academy, a program known for developing national and international talent from 2014 to 2019 which led to her selection for the USA Falcon 7s in 2019 and selection to the USA 15s in 2023. Stathopoulos played in the WPL for the Glendale Merlins in 2019 winning a championship alongside her then and now teammate Okine before joining Beantown in 2020 where she played the next four seasons. Stathopoulos will most likely play the hooker, two position for WER Boston. “Paige’s journey is the embodiment of relentless determination. From moving across states to venturing across the pond to play in the PWR, she has never wavered in her pursuit of excellence. She has proven that with passion, perseverance, and unwavering dedication, the path to greatness is built one step at a time”, expounded Ruiz.

About WER

After the 2022 “Ignite the Change” campaign which sought to professionalize women’s rugby in the United States from the former player run and operated amateur league (WPL), Women’s Elite Rugby was founded and formed. The league announced their official launch in 2024 with the inaugural season starting in March 2025 centering six teams in Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York, San Francisco Bay Area, and Twin Cities featuring 180 athletes.

For more information, please contact:
Women’s Elite Rugby
inquiries@womenseliterugby.us

New York Exiles Announces Their Foundational Five Players Ahead of the League’s Inaugural Season

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 17:00:00 GMT

WRITTEN BY Allison Smith, WER

New York head coach Diego Maquieira named Adriana Castillo , Jenn Salomon-Clayton , Matilda Kocaj , Congetta “Jetta” Owens , and Misha “Mish” Green-Yotts to his foundational five group. Maquieira intentionally picked local talent as all of the F5 players are from New York except Owens who is from Clarksville, MD but has extensive ties to the New York area. Maquieira brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the position as a former player but also as a coach that has had the opportunity to coach both men and women’s rugby at a multitude of levels (youth, collegiately at Northeastern, Columbia University, and in the former iteration of the league, Women’s Premiere League Rugby, WPL for the New York Rugby Club).

New York Exiles Foundational Five Players

Adriana Castillo, born and raised in the Bronx played volleyball and cheerleading before finding rugby. She played at Marist College from 2014 to 2018. After college Castillo began playing for the Village Lions Rugby Football Club from 2019 to 2020 before joining the WPL’s New York Rugby Club (NYRC) in 2021 and played until this past season in 2024. In 2023, Castillo was named to the WPL’s All-Star team. Castillo, who was recently named to the Dominican Republic’s national team for the second time can play the blindside flanker, openside flanker, and eight-man positions for NY. Maquieira feels Castillo’s ability to make big plays will be essential for his team’s success saying, “Adriana will make New York proud with her bruising carries and knack for making big plays that lift the team around her. Adriana is a former WPL all-star and recently capped for the Dominican Republic national team.”

Mish Green-Yotts’ athletic experience before playing rugby is extensive as she lettered four years in high school basketball and lacrosse before playing four years of collegiate basketball at Division III Plattsburgh State. Green-Yotts was first bit by the rugby bug at Binghamton University, and returned to the sport after transferring to Plattsburgh State. Following a four-year hiatus to finish her collegiate basketball career, her club and teammates at SUNY Plattsburgh helped her fall in love with the beauty of rugby culture again. After college she went on to play five seasons in the WPL for NYRC from 2017 to 2022 and again in 2024. She also played for the Scion Rugby 7s from 2017 to 2018 and Northeast Academy 7s from 2018 to 2021. Green-Yotts can play the second row/lock, blindside flanker, openside flanker, and eight-man positions for the New York Exiles squad. In selecting Green-Yotts, Maquieira positioned, “Misha brings a special athletic skill set thanks to her basketball background and was the leading try scorer on the NYRC WPL side that made it to the semifinals in 2024. Misha is a proud mother of two, a superpower all on its own.”

Matilda Kocaj, an immigrant to the United States from Albania and a former three sport athlete in soccer, volleyball and track, started playing rugby in college at Division III Babson College, in Wellesley, MA. Kocaj began playing rugby by happenstance as she did not make the Babson women’s soccer team and was encouraged to try rugby by a friend. During her sophomore season, Kocaj and the Babson Beavers emerged from the New England Wide 7s conference as champions that led to a national title bid for a team that began playing 7s only a year prior. In that same season Kocaj was named an All-Conference selection. After college, Kocaj played for NYRC, Northeast Academy, the Loggerheads in the Premiere Rugby 7s League, and was able to play at the Division I elite level for Life University while pursuing her master’s degree where she won a national title in 2024. For WER NY, Kocaj can play the outside center, but Maquieira seems excited to see what she can do out on the wing stating, “, Matilda is an up-and-coming wing out of Life University where she was just named a finalist for the MA Sorenson Award as one of the top college players in 2024.”

Jetta Owens found rugby in college at Virginia Tech after playing soccer and basketball in high school and throughout her youth. Owens played rugby at Tech from 2016 to 2020 where she and the Hokies were runner’s up in the women’s Division I 7s collegiate championships. During and after college Owens represented the national team, as she was named to the USA 7s All American Team in 2018 and 2019, the USA 15s U23 All-American Team in 2019, the USA 15s World Cup Training Camp from 2020 to 2021. She also played for the NYRC from 2022 until this past season as well as a stint for the NY Locals PR7s in 2023. At the ten, fly-half and fullback positions, Owens is known as a playmaker, and this excites Maquieira about her joining the WER roster as a F5 member. He asserted, “Jetta has been a standout player for NYRC in the WPL and has also recently featured in Premier 7s with the NY Locals. Look for her to use her ability to kick off both feet and her playmaking skills to get the team playing an exciting brand of rugby.”

Jenn Salomon-Clayton brings a wealth of rugby playing experience to the New York Exiles beginning with playing for Quinnipiac University from 2011 to 2015. Directly after college, Salomon-Clayton went on to play for the New Haven Rugby Club for two seasons, the Old Blue 7s from 2016 to 2017, and the Phoenix 7s Northeast Academy from 2017 to 2019, the WPL’s NYRC from 2017 to 2019 and the again in 2024. In 2017 in her rookie season with NYRC she was named NYRC’s Rookie of the Year and helped her team to the championship title. Taking her game overseas, Salomon-Clayton played for the London Irish Rugby Football Club in the 2021 and 2022 seasons before joining the Headliners 7s in 2022 and the international touring 7s team the Savvy 7s in 2023. She has also been a consistent member of the Mexico 7s National Team since 2019 helping them win a silver medal at the 2023 Central American Games. Salomon-Clayton can play the fly-half, inside center, and outside center for the New York Exiles. Beyond playing rugby Salomon-Clayton was recently named Interim Head Coach for the Army Black Knights after coaching at Sacred Heart. In describing Salomon-Clayton’s anticipated contributions to New York Exiles Maquieira said, “Jenn is the definition of calm, cool, and collected on the pitch thanks to her years of high-level experience including the Mexican National Team 15s and 7s. Also, the newly appointed Head Coach of the West Point women's rugby team, Jenn will use her premier IQ and skills to put her teammates in position to be successful.”

About WER

To learn more about the team’s foundational five players, please follow WER on their social media platforms @rugbyevolved or check out the league’s website at https://www.womenseliterugby.us/. After the 2022 “Ignite the Change” campaign seeking to professionalize women’s rugby in the United States from the former Women’s Premier League Rugby player-run and operated amateur league, Women’s Elite Rugby was founded and formed. The league announced their official launch in 2024 with their inaugural season starting in March 2025 centering six teams in Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York, Bay Area, and Twin Cities featuring 180 athletes.

For more information, please contact:
Women’s Elite Rugby
inquiries@womenseliterugby.us

Bay Breakers Announce Their Foundational Five Players Ahead of the League’s Inaugural Season

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 17:00:00 GMT

WRITTEN BY Allison Smith, WER

UNITED STATES— Women’s Elite Rugby (WER), the first professional women’s rugby league in the United States, reveals their foundational five (F5) players for each of the six market teams in preparation for their inaugural season starting in March of this year.

Bay Area head coach Hannah Stolba named Olivia “OBH” Bernadel-Huey (Oakland, CA), Elena “E” Edwards (Long Beach, CA and Akron, OH), Celine Liulamag a (Auburn, WA), Jade McGrath (Toronto, ON, Canada), and Roxelle “Rox” Thomas (Houston, TX). Stolba brings a wealth of experience to the post as she has previously coached collegiately at the University of Colorado, Stanford University, and lead the Berkeley All Blues to a Women’s Premiere League (WPL) championship in 2022 followed by taking runners-up in 2023 and 2024. As a player, Stolba played in the WPL along with representing the USA Women’s National Team from 2009 to 2017 competing in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.

Bay Breakers Foundational Five Players

Olivia Bernadel-Huey “OBH” grew up playing soccer and participating in martial arts and gymnastics before finding rugby and competing for their Bishop O’Dowd high school rugby team from 2011 to 2014. After high school, they went on to attend and play at Stanford University from 2014 to 2018. After college, OBH played a single season in Australia with the University of Adelaide Romas 7s team and a stint in New Zealand with the Cantebury FPC on their 15s squad. OBH continued to pursue rugby playing for the WPL’s All Blues Rugby team up until this past year. With the All Blues, OBH won the WPL championship in 2022 and were back-to-back runners-up in 2023 and 2024. For the Bay, OBH can play the fly-half and fullback positions, and Coach Stolba is particularly looking to her competitive spirit and skill to drive the team stating, “They have played at an incredibly high standard all over the world and have grown into their own as a cornerstone of the All Blues Rugby program over the last couple of years. They are a top tier competitor who can "get their legs" on defense as well as use their swerve to break any line on attack. I look forward to seeing OBH lead the Bay Area team with their exceptional on-field communication, and, of course, hearing DadBH cheering us on from the sidelines."

Elena Edwards or E has played rugby since high school at her alma mater Highland High School from 2004 to 2007 while also being a multi-sport athlete including volleyball, cross country, and tennis. After high school Edwards attended Bowling Green State University in Ohio from 2007 to 2012. After college, Edwards became a member of the Berkeley All Blues, one of the WPL’s original and long standing teams. In her rookie year with the squad, Edwards won her first WPL championship and followed it up with runner-up accolades alongside her then and now teammate OBH in 2023 and 2024. As the veteran on the roster and front-row power presence playing either the loosehead prop, tighthead prop, or second row/lock, Coach Stolba will look to Edwards to lead a team full of young and seasoned players alike. She asserted, "E has been a stalwart in the WPL for over a decade. This last year she finished her WPL career at 83 games, which is an incredible number of high-level matches. I am excited to have her as a cornerstone of the new WER Bay Area team. Elena is the type of player that young athletes can look up to on and off the field. She is a front row wizard and a formidable ball carrier. She has quietly gone about an exceptional rugby career, and I'm excited that, by being named as a foundational player, she will be in the spotlight."

Before Celine Liulamaga found rugby they were a competitive volleyball player having competed for Auburn High School from 2010 to 2016, as well as playing with Club Wahine out of Des Moines, Washington. They began playing rugby in 2016 for Rainier Highlanders Rugby Club before attending and playing at the University of Washington from 2017 to 2022. After college, Liulamaga played for Seattle Rugby Club in 2023 but has seen regular 7s and 15s matches for Pacific Northwest Womxn’s U23 Selects, Pacific Coast Grizzlies U23 All-Stars, the Washington Athletic Club 7s, and Seattle Touch Rugby. Although a younger player, Stolba views Liulamaga ability to play the hooker, loosehead prop or tighthead prop as an asset to her squad, "After working with her through the Pac Coast U23 program, Celine Liulamaga was one of the first players I thought of for the new Bay Area team. A young player who demonstrates both composure and confidence, WER was built for Celine. She has a great skill set and represents the caliber of player that deserves an opportunity to grow and be challenged at the next level. Her ball skills are exceptional, which I imagine comes from her competitive cup stacking background. I'm sincerely looking forward to seeing her flourish and watching the impact she has on the team as a whole."

Jade McGrath was a standout athlete in high school having competed in varsity softball, basketball, volleyball and also running the 800 in track and field. After high school McGrath moved to the east coast where she attended college and played rugby at Boston College from 2014 to 2018. After college she continued her pursuit of excellence in rugby by playing for Boston Women’s Rugby Club in 2016, DC Furies in 2018, the national second team, USA Falcons in 2018. She then went on to play a combination of P7s for the Experts in 2021, Scion Rugby since 2017 where she was the club 7s MVP in 2021, Galaxy Touch DCA since 2018 where she made the All-Star Team in 2021, and the Balkan Honey Badgers Rugby 10s since 2023. She also played and won a championship with the All Blues Rugby team in 2022 and played for the team the past two seasons, earning her a spot in the 2023 WPL All Stars. Additionally, McGrath has been honored as one of the 2024 Women’s Rugby Coaches and Referees Association (WRCRA)’s 15 under 30 award recipients. "Over the past three years, Jade has made her mark as one of the best centers in the country. I don't think anyone in the rugby world would be surprised with Jade's inclusion in this foundational five. Beyond her rugby skill, she is a steadfast leader and an exceptional teammate. I'm excited to see what she can do as she takes her game to the next level in the WER. I have no doubt that her teammates will follow her lead as she elevates the game in the Bay Area", detailed Stolba.

Rox Thomas, a member of the Saint Mary’s College rugby team from 2018 to 2022 has seen quick success in the sport of rugby by making the USA U23 team in 2022, the U23 regional team from 2022 to 2024 in the Pac Coast and Rocky Mountain regions. In 2022, she joined Lifewest rugby as part of the WPL, where she served as co-captain of the team this past season. As a F5 addition to WER Bay Area Thomas can play the second row/lock, blindside flanker, openside flanker and eight-man positions. In selecting Thomas to her team, Stolba stated, "Roxelle is the quintessential hard worker, and I am thrilled to have her leading the Bay Area WER team. I have been lucky to watch Roxelle play and thrive over the last couple of years at the WPL level and worked with her during the Pac Coast U23s 2023 season. She has a great, well-rounded skill set and is an excellent rugby player. But more than anything, I have been blown away by her poise and leadership. A true teacher, she is wise beyond her years. Roxelle will truly be foundational to the Bay Area team."

About WER

After the 2022 “Ignite the Change” campaign which sought to professionalize women’s rugby in the United States from the former player run and operated amateur league (WPL), Women’s Elite Rugby was founded and formed. The league announced their official launch in 2024 with the inaugural season starting in March 2025 centering six teams in Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York, San Francisco Bay Area, and Twin Cities featuring 180 athletes.

For more information, please contact:
Women’s Elite Rugby
inquiries@womenseliterugby.us

TC Gemini Announce Their Foundational Five Players Ahead of the League’s Inaugural Season

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 17:00:00 GMT

WRITTEN BY Allison Smith, WER

Coming off the announcement of their team names and crests last week, WER continues to build on the momentum and excitement of the league by announcing foundational five players for each team. Each coach drafted five players for their team with the goal to build dynamic and diverse groups that span positions, but also have connections to the city and communities that they will play in."We are thrilled to announce the foundational five players for each of our six market teams. Our head coaches selected foundational players of the highest caliber and talent in terms of their on pitch play and expertise but also their off pitch leadership and community connection to lead their teams this season. Additionally, these players have an enduring commitment to the game of rugby and continue to work to grow the game here at WER and beyond", said WER President Dr. Jessica Hammond-Graf .

Twin Cities head coach Sylvia Braaten designated Emerson Allen (Golden Valley, MN), Abbey Jacobs (La Farge, WI), Marisa “Ris” Hall (Cottage Grove, MN), Katrina “Trina” Nunes (Chippewa Falls, WI), and Tatyana Reed (Center Point, IA) as her foundational five players. Braaten brings to the helm of Twin Cities a wealth of championship experience as she has previously coached at Harvard University where she won National Intercollegiate Rugby Association (NIRA) championships in 2019, 2023 and 2024. Additionally, Braaten has worked with the USA women’s national rugby 15s team since 2020.

TC Gemini Foundational Five Players

After playing high school soccer and volleyball Emerson Allen attended Eckerd College where she began playing rugby in 2017 until 2019, before going to play at Life University in 2019 until 2022. During her time playing at Life, Allen and her teammates were national runners-up for the NIRA Division I Elite level three years in a row. After her collegiate journey, Allen competed for the Metropolis 7s in 2018, the USA U23 team from 2021 to 2022, the San Clemente Rhinos rugby team in 2024, along with being selected to the USA 15s in 2024. In selecting Allen, Coach Braaten asserted, “I’ve witnessed first-hand Emerson’s hunger for learning and growing as a skilled rugby player and a team leader. Her experience playing with different high-level teams such as the USA WNT 15s, Railway in Ireland, and most recently in a full-time training environment with the Rhinos Academy will help us set the tone for our team as we gear up for the inaugural season. She is an incredible teammate, brings a contagious positive energy and is a physical force to be reckoned with on the field.”

Abbey Jacobs joins Twin Cities Gemini after playing collegiate club rugby at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire from 2019 to 2023 where she was a national collegiate rugby All-American. After college Jacobs joined and played for the Women’s Premiere League’s (WPL) Twin Cities Amazons the past two seasons. Jacobs has also played for the National Age-Grade Pathway with the U18s, U20s, and U23 teams. For Twin Cities Gemini fans could potentially see Jacobs playing the second row/lock or eight-man positions. When explaining why Jacobs was essential in her foundational five group, Braaten expressed, “Abbey brings a fierce, ‘take no shit from no one’ attitude on the field.’ She is a physical player who will bring gain line carries on attack and dominate collisions on defense. As someone who has been making her way through the USA pathway, I am excited to see the growth she will make in a consistent training environment surrounded by other high-level players.”

Ris Hall, a Minnesota native brings a legacy of excellence with her to Twin Cities Gemini. As a collegiate player she won two NIRA national titles over her collegiate career at Lindenwood University (2016 and 2017). After graduating from Lindenwood, Hall played for a wide variety of teams honing her skill set. She played for the Scion Sirens 7s from 2019 to this past year, the Nova 15s from 2022 to 2024, the Honeybadgers 10s in 2024, as well as stents for the Minneapolis 7s, Minnesota State Team, and East Metro. Braaten looks to lean on Hall’s high caliber play and experience at the second row/lock, blindside flanker, openside flanker, and eight-man positions as a member of her team, stating, “A Lindenwood University alum with experience playing on several other talented and successful teams such Scion, Nova 15s, Honey Badgers 10s, and most recently Rhinos Rugby Academy. Marisa brings a relentless work rate, a mean fend, and bone-crushing tackles.”

Trina Nunes has been playing rugby since 2012 when she joined the rugby team at the University of North Dakota. However, after that year she transferred to University of Wisconsin-River Falls where she played from 2013 to 2016. After her collegiate career, Nunes was selected to the U23 Minnesota Select side in 2016, the Midwest Thunderbirds U23s in 2016, Midwest Women’s Thunderbirds in 2012, 2023, and 2024 and then became a member of the WPL’s Twin Cities Amazons in 2017 until this past season. Nunes brings the ability to play the blindside flanker, openside flanker, and eight-man positions to Twin Cities Gemini. “Katrina leads from the front and her work rate and passion is unmatched. She is constantly working to improve, uplift and better those around her. In addition to her off-field leadership, she is a beast on the field where her high work rate allows her to be a defensive menace,” said Braaten.

For Tatyana Reed competing in rugby began during college as her youth interscholastic focus was on soccer. As a Midwest native, Reed stayed closer to home playing and attending college at the University of Northern Iowa where she was selected to the 2021 DI All-Championship team. After college, Reed played for the Midwest All Stars in 2022, the U23 Midwest Thunderbirds in 2022, and played for the WPL’s Twin Cities Amazons rugby team the past two seasons. As a fly-half, Braaten is excited to add Reed’s field vision to her team expounding, “Tatyana is incredibly detailed and has tremendous field vision with a high game IQ – two important skill sets to be able to thrive at this level. I’m most looking forward to seeing her use her attacking prowess and her playmaking ability to set up those around her.

About WER

For more information, please contact:
Women’s Elite Rugby
inquiries@womenseliterugby.us

Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) Celebrates National Girls and Women in Sports Day by Highlighting the Growth of the Game

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 17:00:00 GMT

WRITTEN BY Allison Smith, WER

UNITED STATES— Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) launches this March as the first professional women’s rugby league in the United States building off the incredible momentum of girls and women’s sports that has taken place within the country and across the globe over the last several years.

Since the 2021 Rugby World Cup, women’s rugby active registered participants has increased by almost 34% and more than 1.3 million young women and girls came into contact with the game in 2023.

Ushered in by the success of the USA women’s 7s rugby team in the Paris Olympics who took an unexpected bronze medal and launched a celebrity-like following of star Ilona Maher, USA Club Rugby noted a spike of 64% in registered members for the 2024-2025 season. Men, women, non-binary and gender diverse individuals all saw an increase in participation and registration within the organization after the Paris Olympics with women making up 45% of new players .

What is incredibly encouraging about the surge of rugby in the US is the post-pandemic increase in pre-teen participation highlighting the appeal of the sport to a new age group and generation, particularly, 24% of this increase belongs to girls . Sport participation to girls, especially a physical sport like rugby allows them to display characteristics that many times society messages to ignore and submerge instead of amplify. However, in rugby, girls are allowed to unleash physicality, aggression, dominance, strength, and speed.

For young pre-teen and teen girls, sports like rugby cultivate skills, traits, and experiences that lead to leadership development , as research has found that 94% of women that played sports in their youth become c-suite executives . Additionally, research has found that girls that play sports have higher self-esteem, better body image, more confidence, and do better academically than their peers that do not participate in sports.

Rugby is a unique sport as it offers a life-long sporting opportunity as it can be played at all ages and across the life-span. Rugby also provides an avenue and sense of diversity, and can establish a tight-knit community amongst teammates and the cities and towns players compete within. Bay Breakers Jade McGrath situated the importance of rugby in her life stating, “I sought out rugby for the contact but stayed for the community. Rugby has blessed me with the best people and experiences in my life. There’s no other space that allows you to grow and express yourself the way rugby does, and the people you get to do it with are really the best people you’ll meet. I love being a part of the game, and I love giving back to it however I can.” Chicago Tempest player Betty Nguyen also positioned the importance of the rugby community stating, “I play rugby because I’ve made lifelong friends on every team that I’ve played for. The rugby community is filled with fierce, fun, and inclusive people and you know that you are amongst friends if you walk into a place and there is rugby on the TV. I have found my people through rugby and that’s why I keep playing.”

As the first professional league of its kind, WER seeks to provide this sense of community not only for the players themselves, but also the fans that will be walking into the venues, stadiums and attending the matches. The league and its teams want to provide inspiration to the next generation of players, especially for young girls to be able to see it, so they can be it.

About WER

To learn more about WER, please follow the league and its teams on their social media platforms @rugbyevolved or check out the league’s website at https://www.womenseliterugby.us/. After the 2022 “Ignite the Change” campaign seeking to professionalize women’s rugby in the United States from the former Women’s Premier League Rugby player-run and operated amateur league, Women’s Elite Rugby was founded and formed. The league announced their official launch in 2024 with their inaugural season starting in March 2025 centering six teams in Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York, Bay Area, and Twin Cities featuring 180 athletes.

For more information, please contact:
Women’s Elite Rugby
E: media@womenseliterugby.us

https://www.womenseliterugby.us/

Chicago Tempest Announce Their Foundational Five Players Ahead of the League’s Inaugural Season

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 17:00:00 GMT

WRITTEN BY Allison Smith, WER

Coming off the announcement of their team names and crests last week, WER continues to build on the momentum and excitement of the league by announcing foundational five players for each team. Each coach drafted five players for their team with the goal to build dynamic and diverse groups that span positions, but also have connections to the city and communities that they will play in."We are thrilled to announce the foundational five players for each of our six market teams. Our head coaches selected foundational players of the highest caliber and talent in terms of their on pitch play and expertise but also their off pitch leadership and community connection to lead their teams this season. Additionally, these players have an enduring commitment to the game of rugby and continue to work to grow the game here at WER and beyond", said WER President Dr. Jessica Hammond-Graf .

For Chicago, head coach Bryan Colbridge designated Anabel Diaz (Chicago, IL), Emma Farnan (Bay Shore, NY), Cienna Jordan (Carmel, IN), Betty Nguyen (Chicago, IL), and Kadie Sanford (West Branch, MI) as his foundational five core players. Colbridge brings a wealth of experience to the post as he played for 27 years in the United Kingdom and New Zealand. Additionally, Colbridge coached both men and women at Taita College in New Zealand before moving to the US and coaching rugby at the club and collegiate level in Memphis, TN since 2016.

Chicago Tempest Foundational Five Players

Anabel Diaz, a Chicago native will be a dynamic and multifaceted player for Chicago Tempest as she can play the loosehead prop, tight end prop, second row/lock, openside flanker, and eight-man positions for the squad. A former track and field and CrossFit athlete, Diaz began playing rugby later in life as there were not as many options for her in the Chicago urban school system. She is a staple of midwest rugby, having played for the Chicago Sirens, Chicago Lions, Chicago North Shore, and Midwest Thunderbirds programs. Diaz also brings national and international team experience to Colbridge’s roster as she has played for Mexico Women’s National Team, Las Serpientes. “As a front rower for Mexico, Anabel brings experience from the National stage to the table. It is important for us to be assertive in the set piece and Anabel will definitely give us a strong start in that regard”, asserted Colbridge.

Emma Farnan from Bay Shore, New York is the definition of a multi-sport athlete having played soccer (Goalie), wrestling, track/cross country, baseball, softball, field hockey, tennis, golf, basketball, and swimming all before landing on rugby as her main sport and passion. Just as she is versatile in her sport experience, she brings position diversity to Chicago Tempest as she is able to play the wing, center, outside center, and fullback positions for the team. Farnan played collegiate rugby at Notre Dame from 2019 to 2022 before finding her way to the WPL in 2022 playing for Chicago North Shore until 2024. She has had stints with the Southern Headliners 7s in 2022 and 2023. Colbridge is excited to welcome Farnan to his squad due to her depth stating, “Emma brings a dynamic skill set and offers strength and depth across the whole backline. This is huge for us as we will have a lot of out-of-market players and adaptability is going to be crucial as we start to build connections and chemistry. I'm pretty sure that she could wear any jersey number and lift its legacy.”

Cienna Jordan from Carmel, Indiana is a former basketball high school All-American, volleyball, and track athlete whose experience and stint in women’s elite rugby began by happenstance while studying abroad at the University College London. Jordan more recently played for the former WPL’s Chicago Northshore from 2022 to 2024 where she was named an All-Star in 2023, as well as the Chicago Green and Gold 7s from 2022 to 2024. She was also recently named a USA Senior National 7’s Pathway member in 2024. Again, the theme for Colbridge’s selections was flexibility and adaptability as Jordan can play the wing, outside center, and fullback positions. When describing what makes Jordan a valuable asset to his roster, Colbridge touted, “[Jordan is] lightning in a bottle, Cienna brings speed and agility and is physical on both sides of the ball. The fact that she is in the USA 7s pathway is a testament to what she can offer on the field.

Betty Nguyen, a native Chicagoan, played high school football at Walter Payton College Prep school and was the only girl on the varsity team before playing rugby at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Nguyen is well acquainted with the sport of rugby as a player and a coach. She played for the WPL’s Chicago Northshore from 2014 to 2018 before joining the Chicago Lions in 2019 alongside then and now teammate Diaz. Nguyen can play the scrum-half, wing, outside center, and fullback positions, but is also known for her leadership as she was awarded captain of her Lion’s squad in 2023. Her coaching stints include Loyola University and winning the 2022 National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) Small College 7’s National Championship with the University of Chicago in 2022, as well as other accolades and coaching stretches at the club and youth levels. In selecting Nguyen, Colbridge said, “Betty is an energizer and a real glue athlete. Having somebody that can galvanize a squad and make everybody feel uplifted is a huge asset for any team. Not only that but Betty also helps give us depth and will really challenge for a back three jersey.”

Kadie Sanford, from West Branch, Michigan began her sport career playing softball for over a decade before moving into rugby. Again, keeping in line with Colbridge’s design for a team filled with depth, Sanford can play the loosehead prop, tighthead prop, second row/lock, blindside flanker, openside flanker, and eight-man positions. Sanford played for the University of Michigan women’s rugby football club from 2006 to 2010, Detroit women’s rugby football club from 2011 to 2012, before joining the Chicago North Shore in 2013 and playing until this past season. In 2023, she was named the Most Valuable Player of the WPL’s All-Star Game in a season that also earned her Dream Team honors at the front row, second row, and loose forward spots. “Kadie is a warrior. Not only is she tough as teak, but she also has Chicago in her bone marrow. Over 50 caps for Chicago North Shore in the WPL is a heck of an achievement. Every team needs someone to follow into battle and I cannot think of a player better suited to lead this team”, claimed Colbridge.

About WER

For more information, please contact:
Women’s Elite Rugby
inquiries@womenseliterugby.us

Denver Onyx Announces Their Foundational Five Players Ahead of the League’s Inaugural Season

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 17:00:00 GMT

WRITTEN BY Allison Smith, WER

Denver head coach Sarah Chobot revealed her foundational five players as Erica “Rica” Coulibaly (Sycamore, IL), Rachel Ehrecke (Clive, IA), McKenzie Hawkins (Maryville, TN), Maya Learned (Denver, CO), and Tahna “T” Wilfley (Denver, CO). In describing her F5 selections, Coach Chobot emphasized key three factors in her decision-making: diversity in positioning, youth, and the fact that her selections are fantastic humans, great teammates, and just a pure joy to be around. Chobot is no stranger to elite competition as the former USA Women’s National Team captain and is currently on staff with the organization, as well as coaching in the former iteration of the league (Women’s Premiere League Rugby, WPL) for the Glendale Merlins and Colorado Greywolves.

Denver Onyx Foundational Five Players

Rica Coulibaly a former high school soccer player turned a wing and potential fullback for Denver Onyx began playing rugby in college at the University of Iowa where they played from 2020 to 2023. After college they continued their development by joining the Des Moines women’s rugby team from 2023 to 2024, before playing for the Colorado Grey Wolves women’s rugby club in the WPL’s last season. In explaining her choice of Rica, Coach Chobot said, “Rica is really interesting as they are a player from Iowa and are that example of what the draft was all about. You have these players that maybe haven’t gone to a WPL city and didn’t come from a Lindenwood, or Western Washington, or one of the Ivys, but they just are this gem that you didn’t know about until they introduced themself. They only played half a season last season for the WPL but ended up being the WPL try leader where they scored two tries in the final. They are just one of those good young wings that you are excited about. They are one of those players that has some flexibility on where they can go but I thought they were a really great example of you might not have come out of one of those top programs, but it doesn’t mean you are not quality.”

Rachel Ehrecke comes to Denver Onyx having played for her Valley High School during the 2012 and 2013 seasons before moving to the other side of the country to pursue college rugby at Penn State University from 2014 to 2018. After college, Ehrecke played for the WPL’s Glendale Merlins that became the Colorado Grey Wolves from 2018 to 2024. With the Merlins/Grey Wolves Ehrecke won three WPL championships in 2019, 2023, and 2024. She has also played for the Rocky Mountain Magic club in 2019 and 2021, the Darlington Mowden Park Sharks in 2023, and has been a member of the USA Women’s High Performance squad since 2020. Ehrecke will most likely play the second row/lock or blindside flanker position for Denver Onyx. Coach Chobot added Ehrecke to her F5 players due to her work ethic stating, “If I had to describe her in one word it would be work. She chews through work like no other player I have seen. She is not the biggest or not the fastest, but I am not sure if there is someone who gets through more work in the country. She is a great line operator, she can lock, she can play in the back row, she can seamlessly play in the center.”

McKenzie Hawkins, although originally from Tennessee, is described by Chobot as a “home-grown eagle.” Hawkins began playing rugby at the age of ten and played for Maryville rugby football club during her youth from 2007 to 2015 and during this time she was named USA High School All-American for 7s and 15s before heading off to Lindenwood University in 2015. At Lindenwood, Hawkins won two national championships in 2018 and 2019 and was named to the Collegiate All-American 15s squad. After Lindenwood, Hawkins played and won a WPL championship with the Glendale Merlins in 2019, competed for WPL’s Lifewest Gladiatrix in 2022 and has been an avid and important piece of the USA Women's Rugby Senior Team since 2018. As a fly-half and fullback for Denver Onyx, “Mac is a home-grown eagle from the Colorado side and if you have ever met Mac you just can’t help but be inspired and want to work for her. Again, she is another home-grown eagle that the fans are already aware of and can get people out to our market to be excited about Denver”, stated Chobot.

Maya Learned, or as Chobot endearingly calls her Leonard, is a Colorado native that grew up in the Glendale youth system that led to her playing rugby at Glendale High School from 2009 to 2014 where she was named a Junior All American in 2012, 2013, and 2014, and High School All American in 2014. After high school, Learned headed east where she played for Harvard rugby from 2014 to 2018 and was named a Collegiate All-American for the 2017 and 2018 seasons. While in college, Learned competed for the then WPL Glendale Raptors from 2013 to 2014, winning a championship in 2014. She continued to play locally in Colorado for the WPL’s Glendale Merlins from 2018 to 2020, winning a championship in 2019, and the revitalized iteration of the Glendale team the Colorado Grey Wolves in 2024 where with her then and now teammates won the 2024 championship. Additionally, Learned has been a member of the USA National team since 2019. In the selection of Learned, Chobot asserted, “She was an easy choice. She is a Colorado kid that came through the Glendale youth system and played for the WPL’s Grey Wolves. In addition, she has international test prop experience.”

T Wilfley is the youngest foundational five selection but has already solidified herself as an important piece on the wing or in the fullback position for Denver Onyx. Wilfley, similar to many of her teammates grew up in the Glendale youth rugby system and has been playing for East High School. In addition, Wilfley played the last two seasons in the WPL for the Colorado Grey Wolves winning championships alongside Ehrecke and Learned. “She is a high schooler, and I want to build this team around youth and future eagles and a place for a young player to really grow. What is really cool is she goes to school at East High School, one of the Denver based high school programs and she has a great backstory that her dad was an eagle as well---kind of a cool family thing and definitely got the rugby gene over there. For me she was a no brainer as she is a really impactful player and has already played a year of senior rugby as a high schooler and she has chosen this path and journey and is really excited about it,” stated Chobot.

About WER

For more information, please contact:
Women’s Elite Rugby
inquiries@womenseliterugby.us

Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) Announces Formation of New Medical Advisory Board and Partnership with Lumin Sports

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 15:00:00 GMT

New partnerships serve to elevate athlete health and safety standards

UNITED STATES – Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) is proud to announce the establishment of its inaugural Medical Advisory Board, composed of renowned specialists providing comprehensive expertise to support the league’s athletes and uphold rigorous health standards. The formation of the Medical Advisory Board underscores Women’s Elite Rugby’s unwavering commitment to athlete care and safety. Each board member’s specialized knowledge and passion for athlete welfare will shape league policies, ensuring that Women’s Elite Rugby remains at the forefront of sports medicine standards.

“We are very excited to announce our WER Medical Review Board. This is an incredibly intelligent, gifted, passionate group of medical professionals who are committed to guiding the WER in providing elite, holistic medical care to all of our athletes,” said WER Director of Performance and Athlete Wellness, Stacy Carone . “We are grateful to have this group navigating our medical policies and care to ensure our athletes a safe, competitive environment.”

A distinguished primary care sports medicine physician, Dr. Ryan Reese, DO, brings years of experience treating elite athletes. His extensive expertise spans acute and overuse musculoskeletal injuries. Known for his holistic, patient-first approach, Dr. Reese is committed to providing individualized care plans that promote both recovery and performance, making him an invaluable resource for the league’s athletes.

Director of the BRAIN Lab, Dr. Katie Hunzinger, PhD, ACSM-CEP, CPT, is a pioneer in concussion and traumatic brain injury (TBI) research, particularly within rugby. Her work investigates the long-term impacts of repetitive head trauma, and she is helping to shape concussion education and care protocols in American rugby. Dr. Hunzinger’s insights will guide the league in implementing informed strategies to protect athletes from brain injuries and mitigate long-term health risks.

A clinical psychologist specializing in the mental health needs of athletes, Dr. Amy Gooding, PsyD , offers expert guidance on issues related to eating disorders and sports psychology. With extensive experience in cognitive-behavioral therapy for adolescents and adults, she also trains sports medicine professionals in identifying and treating athletes with mental health challenges. Dr. Gooding will help foster a supportive environment for mental wellness, ensuring players have access to crucial psychological resources as they pursue high-performance careers.

Mary Swanstrom, MS, LAT, ATC , a seasoned athletic trainer with a multifaceted background in collegiate and professional sports, military performance optimization, and rugby coaching, brings hands-on experience in managing athletes’ physical health. Her extensive knowledge, coupled with certifications in various therapeutic techniques, enables her to provide exceptional preventive care and injury management. As a dedicated rugby advocate, Mary will guide best practices in training, injury prevention, and emergency response on and off the field.

A board-certified cardiologist specializing in preventive and sports cardiology, Dr. Scott Jerome, MD , has made extensive contributions to cardiac imaging and healthcare technology. With experience on the national cardiology steering committee of Epic and several medical boards, he is well-versed in the latest advancements in cardiovascular health for athletes. Dr. Jerome’s expertise will inform the league’s cardiovascular screening and monitoring programs, ensuring players maintain optimal heart health.

Founder of Blue Chip Performance, Cat Wade, MS, CSCS, SCCC , is a trailblazer in athletic performance coaching with a scientific, holistic approach. Her “24-Hour Human Eco-System” model emphasizes balanced sleep, nutrition, stress management, and training to help athletes thrive. Cat’s data-driven insights will be instrumental in designing personalized wellness programs that optimize players’ performance and longevity in the sport.

Full biographies and headshots for each Medical Advisory Board member can be found HERE .

Alongside the Medical Advisory Board, WER is thrilled to partner with Lumin Sports , a leading provider of medical software solutions, to enhance athlete health monitoring and performance management. Through Lumin Sports’ innovative technology, the league will have access to real-time data and advanced analytics, empowering medical staff to make informed decisions that prioritize player safety and optimize performance. This collaboration reflects Women’s Elite Rugby’s commitment to utilizing cutting-edge tools to support athlete wellness at every level.

“The journey that WER is on is exciting, aspirational, and so incredibly important in creating equal opportunities and empowering women and girls to pursue rugby as a profession,” said Ben Tripodi, CEO of Lumin Sports. “Also WER’s commitment to athlete wellbeing and making sure they’re looking after their players appropriately is very commendable. We’re excited to be playing our role in establishing WER as a premier competition and look forward to doing everything we can to make it an ongoing success.’’

By combining expert medical guidance with cutting-edge health technology, the league is setting new standards for player care and support, creating an environment where athletes can thrive both on and off the field. These initiatives underscore WER’s commitment to leading innovation in sports medicine and elevating the level of play for American rugby.

For more information, please contact:
Women’s Elite Rugby
inquiries@womenseliterugby.us

Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) Announces 2025 Head Coaches for Inaugural Season

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 15:52:00 GMT

Head coaches named for Bay Area, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Twin Cities and New York franchises

UNITED STATES — Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) , is thrilled to announce the head coaches for its inaugural 2025 season, showcasing a seasoned group of individuals determined to lead the charge as a new chapter of women’s rugby begins in the United States this Spring. WER, the first American professional women’s rugby league, will begin its inaugural season with six founding markets in March.

“We are ecstatic to announce our roster of experienced head coaches who are committed to bringing professional women’s rugby teams to new heights in the United States,” said WER President Dr. Jessica Hammond-Graf . “After an extensive candidate search, we identified these individuals because of their excellence in leadership and decades of experience with the sport. By assembling this group of highly skilled coaches we are committed to fostering an environment where athletes can pursue their dreams, maximize their potential, and make an investment in the future of the sport.”

Leading the Bay Area’s franchise will be Hannah Stolba , who most recently served as the head coach of the Berkeley All Blues Women’s Rugby of the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Stolba has over a decade of coaching experience across all levels of the game and as a player was on two World Cup squads (2010 and 2014). Stolba helped lead the All Blues to a WPL Championship in 2022 and runners up in 2023 and 2024.

Kittery Ruiz has been named the first head coach of Boston’s WER team. Ruiz’s rugby coaching experience spans collegiate, WPL, and USA Under-20 Women’s National teams. Ruiz most recently has served as both head and assistant coach of the WPL’s Beantown Rugby in Boston and currently serves as an assistant coach with Brown University and an assistant coach with the USA Under 20 Women’s National Team. Ruiz represented USA Rugby as a player in the 2010 and 2014 Rugby World Cups, as a part of the 7s pool in 2009.

For Chicago, Bryan Colbridge will be the franchise’s first head coach. Colbridge has most recently served as attack and defense coach for the University of Memphis. Colbridge has a wide breadth of experience on the pitch, having played and/or coached consistently in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and the United States for over 15 years, including coaching high school, collegiate and senior level rugby for women and men. A dynamic leader and educator, Colbridge has been a head coach for numerous clubs, including the Memphis Women’s 7s, Christian Brothers University (Men’s and Women’s 15s and 7s), Memphis Blues Rugby Club (Men’s 15s and 7s) and the Memphis Inner City Rugby (Boys and Girls 15s and 7s).

Sarah Chobot will be the first head coach of the Denver franchise. Chobot, a former USA women's national team player, currently serves as an assistant coach with the USA Women’s Eagles. Chobot has held various coaching positions at a multitude of levels since transitioning to coaching in 2018. Chobot, the Michigan native who honed her craft in Minnesota, notably was named the head coach of the American Raptors in 2023 and was the first female head coach in the Super Rugby Americas. Chobot also previously served as the Defense and Forwards Coach with the Raptors.

Diego Maquieira will be the first head coach of New York’s WER franchise. Maquieira, who was born and raised in Queens, NY, most recently served as the head coach for the WPL’s New York Rugby Club, as well as served as the Forward Coach at Columbia University for the Men’s Rugby Football Club and Assistant Coach for the Old Blue Women and U23 Men’s 7s. In his first season with NYRC women, he guided the team to a national semi-final. As a former college football player, Maquieira found rugby later in life, and developed a strong passion for training and developing crossover athletes. Despite his later start in the sport, Diego was skilled enough to play for multiple MLR franchises.

The Twin Cities welcomes Sylvia Braaten as the franchise’s first head coach . Braaten is currently a Performance Recovery Coach with the USA Women’s National 15s Rugby Team and has over 15 years of professional experience in coaching and performance training. Braaten was also the Lead Physical Performance Coach with the national 15s team from 2020 to 2024. In Braaten’s five seasons coaching with Harvard Rugby, she won two NIRA National Championships (2019 and 2023) and one USA 7’s National Championship (2024). Braaten played in the WPL for ten years with the Twin Cities Amazons and has over 15 years of playing experience, with eight years at the international level. Braaten represented USA Rugby in the HSBC 7’s World Series and as a player in the 2014 and 2017 Rugby World Cups.

Full biographies and headshots for each head coach can be found here .

For media members interested in speaking to a WER representative about the recent head coaching hires or any other topics regarding the league, please contact Sam Pell at wer@lindarothpr.com . For the latest news and update, follow WER on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and LinkedIn .

For those interested in learning more about the branding and visual identity of the league, visit here for a brand fact sheet. Media ready photos and a short promotional video about WER are available here and will continue to be updated.

About WER

2024 Legacy Cup Finals: Colorado Gray Wolves defeat All Blues Rugby

Sat, 14 Sep 2024 16:01:00 GMT

Greensboro, NC -- The Colorado Gray Wolves defeated the All Blues Rugby of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in a 31-27 victory on Saturday in the 2024 Legacy Cup Finals , hosted by Women’s Elite Rugby (WER ), at MacPherson Stadium at Bryan Park in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Tied 24-24, the All Blues elected to go for points with minutes left in the match to put them up 27-24. Then, in a thrilling fashion, the Gray Wolves fought their way back to score a walk-off try and take home the first-ever Legacy Cup trophy.

Video highlights from the match are available for use here .

The 2024 Legacy Cup, the new national women’s rugby championship, showcased standout athletes aiming to compete in WER’s inaugural 2025 season, a testament to the storied legacy of women’s rugby in the United States, as the sport continues to flourish. WER’s inaugural season is slated to begin in Spring 2025.

For media members interested in speaking to a WER representative, please contact Sam Pell at wer@lindarothpr.com . For the latest news and updates surrounding the league, follow WER on Facebook , Instagram , X and LinkedIn . Legacy Cup visual assets for media are here .

For those interested in learning more about the branding and visual identity of the league, visit here for a brand fact sheet.

Media ready photos and a short promotional video are available here and will continue to be updated.

About WER
Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) is the first American professional women’s rugby league. The mission of the WER is to be the defining standard of rugby in the United States. WER is structured on the stable foundation of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), a national, amateur pay-to-play model, high level rugby competition established in 2009. With the creation of Women’s Elite Rugby, world-class women’s rugby will be ushered into the next stage of its evolution and will take women’s rugby in the United States to new heights.

Colorado Gray Wolves and Berkeley All Blues Rugby to face off in 2024 Legacy Cup Finals

Sat, 07 Sep 2024 16:04:00 GMT

Tickets on sale NOW for Sept. 14 Championship in Greensboro, NC

WHAT: The 2024 Legacy Cup Finals , hosted by Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) , will take place between the Colorado Gray Wolves and All Blues Rugby of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) on Saturday, September 14 at MacPherson Stadium at Bryan Park in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Earlier today, the Colorado Gray Wolves defeated New York Rugby Club with a 33-5 victory in the first semi-finals match of the Legacy Cup in Madison, Wisconsin on Saturday to advance to the finals. All Blues Rugby took down Life West Rugby in the second semi-finals match of the day with a 43-21 victory. Video highlights of the semi-final match-up are available for use here .

The 2024 Legacy Cup, the new national women’s rugby championship, showcases standout athletes aiming to compete in WER’s inaugural 2025 season, a testament to the storied legacy of women’s rugby in the United States, as the sport continues to flourish.

The championship game in Greensboro will start at 2:00 PM EDT. Fans can buy tickets to the Legacy Cup Final at www.womenseliterugby.us/tickets . Ticket prices start at $15 for general admission.

WHERE:

WHEN:

Among the partners for the Legacy Cup are Destination Sport , a specialist sports travel business. Operating across North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, Destination Sport Group is a global leader in sports travel with expertise across multiple sports travel verticals including travel management for elite sports organizations, fan travel experiences and tours for grassroots sports organizations. Destination Sport Group counts a considerable presence within rugby globally and is committed to supporting the development of women’s rugby in the U.S.

For media members interested in speaking to a WER representative, please contact Sam Pell at wer@lindarothpr.com . For the latest news and updates surrounding the league, follow WER on Facebook , Instagram , X and LinkedIn . Legacy Cup visual assets for media are here .

For those interested in learning more about the branding and visual identity of the league, visit here for a brand fact sheet.

Media ready photos and a short promotional video are available here and will continue to be updated.

About WER

Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) Adds New York, San Francisco Bay Area, Twin Cities for Inaugural Season

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 15:00:00 GMT

2025 Season to Start in March; Jamie Burke Appointed as WER’s Director of Rugby

UNITED STATES — Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) is thrilled to announce New York , the San Francisco Bay Area and the Twin Cities will be joining Boston , Chicago and Denver as the first six markets in the United States to host a professional women’s rugby team when WER’s inaugural season gets underway in March 2025.

WER, the first American professional women’s rugby league, is committed to take women’s rugby in the United States to new heights as it provides a space that enables athletes to pursue their rugby goals while being compensated for their dedication to elite performance. WER will also deliver younger players a pipeline to a professional league, helping to increase and promote the next generation of women’s rugby athletes.

Team names and stadium details for all markets will be announced at a later date. Teams will have approximately 30 players per team. The majority of the league’s founding players will be announced after a selection process in January 2025.

“We are thrilled to take world-class women’s rugby to the next level across the United States and delighted by the welcoming of our six generous host cities,” said WER President Dr. Jessica Hammond-Graf . “Each chosen market has a unique, storied history with the sport of rugby and we’re proud to continue building upon that legacy and expanding opportunities for the future generations of athletes.”

WER is also proud to announce Jamie Burke has been appointed as the league’s Director of Rugby. In Burke’s new position, she will be responsible for providing quality leadership, direction and delivery of WER’s on-field product with the directive of creating a world class, dynamic and entertaining brand of rugby built with the American consumer in mind.

The Director of Rugby will establish the culture and standards of the coaching and player personnel in the WER, with the aim of becoming the top domestic women’s rugby competition in the world.

Burke has represented the game in many capacities, first on the pitch as a USA Eagle and currently the women's record holder for most test match caps. She has since coached the game from the youth level in Colorado to the USA National Team, while also serving on the Board of Directors and USA Rugby International Athlete Council since September of 2020.

Burke was also recently named as a participant in the Capgemini Women in Rugby Leadership Program in 2024 and 2025, which drives visibility of female leaders from within the rugby family and helps to accelerate the development of the women and girls’ game, on the road to Rugby World Cup 2025. Burke is the fourth American to earn the scholarship, following Jillion Potter (2018), Jenn Heinrich (2020) and Jessica Dombrowski in 2022.

"We are at an incredible inflection point in both the women's sports space and women's rugby, specifically. I am thrilled about the vision of Women's Elite Rugby and getting the opportunity to be a crucial pillar of an organization that is driving the future of women's rugby in the United States,” Burke said. “We have the opportunity to define a unique brand of WER rugby that is dynamic, exciting and allows our athletes to showcase their skills, athleticism, and creativity for both the American rugby fan and the sports fans across the globe."

Further information about the final three founding markets for WER and their storied rugby history are below.

New York

The first woman to coach a U.S. men’s professional rugby team was Karameli Faʻaeʻe when she took the position as assistant coach with Rugby United New York, a Major League Rugby expansion team. A decorated international player, Faʻaeʻe was a member of the USWNT from 2015-2017. In 2017, she captained the Eagles in the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Ireland, where the US finished fourth. In 2014 and 2017, Faʻaeʻe was also the team captain of the New York Rugby Club.

Faʻaeʻe is currently serving as the Director of Rugby at New York Rugby Club.

"New York City is proud to be home to one of the first professional Women's Elite Rugby (WER) teams in the country and we're excited for the inaugural season next spring," said Nancy Mammana CMO and Interim CEO of NYC Tourism + Conventions . "We're home to a robust and passionate rugby community across all five boroughs and cannot wait to shine a spotlight on WER's mission to elevate women's rugby and inspire the next generation to take up the sport."

San Francisco Bay Area

Founded in 1973 by Jeanie Salisbury , the Eleanors of Pasadena, CA was the first recorded team in California and was among the first five teams in the country. In 1977, Rochelle Law, a wing for UCLA women’s rugby appeared on the cover of Life Magazine, a momentous moment as rugby captured the resilient and revolutionary spirit of young women at the time.

In 1981 National Club Championship Final between Beantown and eventual champion Belmont Shore (Long Beach, CA).

In 1987, the first U.S. Women’s selection camp was held at Stanford University in preparation for the US Women’s National Team vs Canada match. Barb Bond , co-captain of the 1991 Rugby World Cup-winning U.S team, came from the Bay Area She Hawks (BASH). BASH won four National Championships from 1985 to 1988.

In 2007, Dana Teagarden became the first woman to referee a men’s tournament in the Sevens World Series in San Diego.

"Berkeley welcomes Women's Elite Rugby (WER) as an inaugural host city for the first women's professional rugby league in America," said Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín . "East Bay has always supported our local teams, fought for equal opportunity and having a women's professional league call our city home needs to be embraced by our community, setting an example for young girls to strive to compete on the highest level."

Twin Cities

The Twin Cities produced the first, and still only, women president of USA Rugby, Anne Barry . She served USA Rugby as its president from 1998-2002 and as treasurer from 1990-1998 and continued on the USA Rugby Board until 2005.

Barry was also the first woman inducted into the U.S. Rugby Hall of Fame back in 1979. Barry was among seven other 2014 inductees. Barry has been involved in rugby as a player and administrator since joining her first team in 1983 at age 26. Barry began her rugby career as a player for the Twin Cities Amazons.

“We are thrilled to welcome Women’s Elite Rugby to Minnesota.” said Minnesota Sports and Events President and CEO Wendy Blackshaw . “A national leader in high school girls’ sports participation, home to WNBA, PWHL, and USL W teams, and host to sellout crowds at the 2022 NCAA Women’s Final Four and 2024 Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament, Minnesota is a top destination for women’s sports. We look forward to growing rugby in our state and giving opportunities for women to play at the highest level.”

Media : For media members interested in speaking to a WER representative, please contact Sam Pell at wer@lindarothpr.com . For the latest news and updates surrounding the league, follow WER on Facebook , Instagram , X and LinkedIn .

To read more about Boston, Chicago and Denver being awarded a professional women’s rugby team next year, please read WER’s prior release here . For those interested in learning more about the branding and visual identity of the league, visit here for a brand fact sheet.

Media ready photos and a short promotional video are available here and will continue to be updated.

About WER
Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) is the first American professional women’s rugby league. The mission of the WER is to be the defining standard of rugby in the United States. WER is structured on the stable foundation of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), a national, amateur pay-to-play model, high level rugby competition established in 2009. With the creation of Women’s Elite Rugby, world-class women’s rugby will be ushered into the next stage of its evolution and will take women’s rugby in the United States to new heights.

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Denver Onyx WIn Legacy Cup

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Rugby 101

Rugby 101

As we gear up for the Legacy Cup, we want to make sure you’re fully prepared, so we’ve put together a quick Rugby 101 guide to help you get started!

1. How do you score points in rugby?

2. Why can't players pass the ball forward?

3. What’s a scrum, and what’s going on in there?

4. What’s all this kicking going on, and why are they doing it?

5. What are those jumping contests at the sideline?

6. How long does a rugby match last?

7. What happens when a penalty is awarded?

8. Does rugby have cards like soccer does?

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