The USA Women’s Eagles are entering a crucial phase of preparation for the 2029 Rugby World Cup, and a recent three-day camp in the United Kingdom marks a significant step in that process. Head Coach Jack Hanratty assembled a group of players currently competing professionally in the UK’s Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR), as well as top leagues in France and Ireland, for an alignment camp designed to bridge the gap between domestic and overseas talent. This focused approach, prioritizing connection and consistent standards, underscores the program’s commitment to building a cohesive and competitive team as they look ahead to the Pacific Four Series this April and beyond.
The camp, which concluded on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, according to USA Rugby, provided a unique opportunity for Hanratty and his staff to function directly with players navigating the demands of a mid-season schedule. Rather than disrupting their club commitments with extensive travel, the camp was strategically located to “check in” with athletes and reinforce key principles across all facets of the game. This approach reflects a broader strategy of meeting players where they are, acknowledging the challenges of balancing international aspirations with professional club obligations.
Building Bridges Across Continents
The overseas camp is part of a larger strategy implemented by Hanratty following a “Kick-Off” camp held in Chula Vista, California. The California camp focused on domestic players, providing a foundation for the program’s goals. The UK camp, however, specifically addresses the growing number of American players choosing to develop their careers in Europe’s increasingly professional rugby landscape. Currently, 27 players participated in the UK camp, representing a diverse range of clubs and experience levels.
The list of attendees includes experienced internationals like Kate Zackary (Ealing Trailfinders), Gabby Cantorna (Exeter Chiefs), and Alev Kelter (Loughborough Lightning), alongside emerging talents gaining valuable playing time in competitive leagues. The full roster, as provided by USA Rugby, is as follows:
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Mikaela Hall | FC Grenoble |
| Gabby Cantorna | Exeter Chiefs |
| Kate Zackary | Ealing Trailfinders |
| Alivia Leatherman | Ealing Trailfinders |
| Keia Mae Sagapolu Sanele | Loughborough Lightning |
| Bulou Mataitoga | Loughborough Lightning |
| Kathryn Treder | Loughborough Lightning |
| Rachel Ehrecke | Loughborough Lightning |
| Tahlia Brody | Loughborough Lightning |
| Emerson Allen | Leicester Tigers |
| Emily Henrich | Leicester Tigers |
| Kristin Bitter | Leicester Tigers |
| Tess Feury | Leicester Tigers |
| Erica Jarrell-Searcy | Sale Sharks |
| Georgie Perris-Redding | Sale Sharks |
| Olivia Ortiz | Sale Sharks |
| Katana Howard | Sale Sharks |
| Sam Brackett | Blackrock College RFC |
| Saher Hamdan | Ennis RFC |
| Liz Cook | Cardiff Met |
| Annie Henrich | Dartmouth College |
| Paige Stathopoulos | Loughborough Lightning |
| Nick James | Sale Sharks |
| Morgan Freeman | Saracens |
| Alev Kelter | Loughborough Lightning |
| Hallie Taufo’ou | Bordeaux |
| Hope Rogers | Exeter Chiefs |
| Lotte Sharp | Saracens |
Preparing for the Pacific Four Series and Beyond
The timing of this camp is particularly significant as the Women’s Eagles prepare for the 2026 Pacific Four Series, which will be hosted across the United States in April. The series will feature matches against New Zealand, Australia, and Canada, providing crucial competitive opportunities ahead of the 2029 Rugby World Cup. The Pacific Four Series schedule includes a match against New Zealand on April 11th in Sacramento, California, followed by a contest against Australia on April 17th in Kansas City, Missouri, and concluding with a match against Canada on April 24th in Chicago, Illinois. Tickets are currently available through USA Rugby.
Hanratty emphasized the importance of these camps in fostering a unified program. “We have athletes all over the world putting their hand up for selection for PAC4 and beyond,” he said, “and having these two camps has allowed us to endeavor to meet the athletes where they are in their own rugby seasons.” The coaching staff, which includes Sarah Chobot (Assistant Coach), Callum Howells (Analyst), Jade Danes (Lead Athletic Trainer), Tamara Sheppard (General Manager High Performance), and Alana Gattinger (Head of High Performance Operations, 15s), will continue to monitor players throughout the remainder of the club season.
Following the UK camp, players will return to their respective clubs to continue competing. The team will reconvene in late March to finalize the roster for the Pacific Four Series, marking the next critical step in their journey toward the 2029 Rugby World Cup. The focus will be on translating the connections forged in California and the UK into on-field cohesion and a strong performance in the upcoming series.
The USA Women’s Eagles are clearly prioritizing a holistic approach to player development and team building, recognizing that success on the international stage requires a strong network of support and a commitment to meeting players’ needs both on and off the field. The Pacific Four Series will provide a valuable test of this approach, and fans can look forward to seeing the results of this focused preparation in action this April.
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