On the Verge of 50 Caps, Hope Rogers Sees Her Position Evolve

10.10.2024

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When she runs onto the first Friday Hope Rogers will earn her 50th cap.

The 2016 MA Sorensen Award-winner has been an Eagle for 11 years, but injuries have lurked, forcing her off the team on occasion. Still, one of the best props in women’s rugby anywhere, has made it to 50.

“I think when I first started playing I was really excited for the opportunity and enjoying the moments that I got,” said the former Penn State star. “And then I think as my journey kept going and fighting in and out of injuries, that [50 caps was] something that could be attainable.”

She didn’t know if she would ever make it, but now she’s on the doorstep of getting that half century.

GRR asked Rogers if she looks back on her games from years ago and wonders how got away with some of the things she did then. Rogers was quick to laugh about that.

“I’m still not using footwork,” she said. “I’ve been trying to develop for 11 years now. I’m still just running straight.”

Running straight is a good thing. So is being a powerful presence.

“I would say the physicality definitely helps when players come into the Eagles,” Rogers told GRR. “But I think what's kind of cool about rugby now is that your front row can actually be very skillful players as well. I mean, obviously we love to be the hammer, don't get me wrong. I love a tank, or I love a pick-and-go near the goal line; that's when I come alive. But I think what's really cool and what you're seeing now is a lot of front row can be hammers, but they're also good ball players. They have footwork, they have a lot of skills. They can play longer minutes, different things.

“So I would say the physicality definitely helps but you’re also seeing a bigger skill set amongst front row players.”

So it's evolving, but Hope Rogers seems to have done a good job of evoling with the game.