The USA Women’s Eagles reconvened this week in Chula Vista ahead of their first test match in the 2024 Pacific Four Series. Playing on home soil for the first time since 2021, the USA Match Day 23 are prepared to meet Canada in a thrilling North American border battle. 

Buy tickets for USA vs Canada at Dignity Health Sports Park here and use the discount code GRR for 10% Off!>>

USA v Canada kicks off Sunday, April 28, at 1:30 pm PT at DignityHealth Sports Park in Los Angeles. The match will be live on RugbyPass and Peacock, and tickets are available (discount code GRR) here>>.

Captained by Rachel Johnson, Sunday’s roster is similar to the squad that defeated South Africa in their test match last month. Coming in from USA Sevens residency, Autumn Czaplicki starts on the left wing, while Atumata Hingano is named to the bench. Johnson takes over captain duties this week as Kate Zackary recovers from an injury sustained last month, with the hopes of returning during the Pacific Four Series. Tess Feury and Georgie Perris-Redding are vice captains.

Four MA Sorensen Award-winners are in the starting lineup: Hope Rogers (Penn State, 2016), McKenzie Hawkins (2018, Lindenwood), Emily Henrich (2019, Dartmouth), and Kai Mae Sagapolu (Central Washington, 2023).

The last USA win over Canada was during the 2019 Super Series in Chula Vista. With Head Coach Sione Fukofuka implementing positive changes with a key focus on set piece accuracy and decision making, the team is ready to build off their win over South Africa and kick off the Pacific Four Series with a statement. 

“A key component to our selection this week was continuity and confidence from the platform we established in Ealing against South Africa," said Head Coach Sione Fukofuka. "Our theme of the week is chasing the challenge, and we know very well the quality of the Canadian team and the increase in pressure we will face. We have worked hard as a squad to put each other under pressure and really get comfortable with being uncomfortable and playing in that zone. Our selections are a reflection of the work the players have done and the balance of the 23 to allow us to play the game we want to play, physical, and direct but with skill and excitement. 

"The week in Chula Vista has been great. Being back on home soil and connecting our playing group has been positive, in addition to adding a few new faces to the mix. Our sessions have been competitive and allowed us to keep developing our overall game. The facilities at the training center have been excellent and allowed us to prepare well. We are working hard on our set piece and physicality as we know they will be contest points, as well as reinforcing aspects of our attack and defensive systems to allow us to transfer pressure on to Canada. Playing in front of our home fans, family, and friends is an added bonus and we want to do them and the jersey proud.”

"We're super excited for the start of the Pacific Four Series," added captain Rachel Johnson. "It's extra special that the start gets to be on home soil in LA. We're excited to see our friends, family, and fans. We are building from our last campaign against South Africa. We brought in a few new folks, so we have a big focus on our alignment and continuing to build clarity and confidence into our new attacking shape. I'm super excited for some of the new folks that have come in. I'm excited to see Autumn have a go and get the start there, and I'm looking forward to see what she can bring over from sevens as we continue to build a holistic USA Rugby Women's Program.

"Being temporary captain this week is such a privilege and an honor. I love this team and respect every individual, whether they are in the 23 or the greater squad. I'm really excited to serve them on Sunday."