New-look USA squad chosen
USA coach Pete Steinberg selects just five players from last year's World Cup squad to take part in the Super Series against Canada, USA and New Zealand.
Published by Alison Donnelly, June 9th, 2015
3 minute read
The squad selection comes after the largest squad training camp in USA women’s rugby history with
Women’s Eagles, AIG Women’s Collegiate All-Americans, and AIG Women’s Junior All-Americans all coming together recently.
“Having over 200 players in one place was a tremendous selection vehicle,” Steinberg said. “The standard of play was very strong throughout and if we can get more games like that for our players it will help us compete internationally,” Steinberg said.
The result is that just five players from Women’s Rugby World Cup 2014 have been selected to compete in Calgary from June 25 to July 6.
“We have an experienced core and an exciting new crop of players,” the head coach said. “The new players have very different pathways to being selected, in terms of time played, but we are excited to see what they can do in Canada.”
Front-row returnees include Katy Augustyn, Sarah Chobot, and All-World Cup selection Hope Rogers. Kimber Rozier brings her experience to lead the back line, while Deven Owsiany slots in as a scrum half.
An additional five selected have previously earned caps for the Women’s Eagles. Stacey Bridges, Molly Kinsella, Jennifer Lui, Laura Miller, and Samantha Pankey add experience to the youthful side.
“The Super Series also provides players with an opportunity to lead,” said Steinberg. “With the team changing so much, these games will be a challenge in terms of performance, but they will also challenge the players that want to lead.”
Two full-time sevens programme residents at the Olympic Training Center in Jane Paar and Bianca Dalal have also made the cut.
“It was a great selection tool for players, but we are very excited about what the coaches were able to take from the competitions,” said Steinberg. “The NASC events will really improve the level of coaching in the country, as well.”
Canada,New ZealandandEnglandhave all named their squads.
USA:Kathryn Augustyn . Catherine Benson , Stacey Bridges, Elizabeth Cairns, Sarah Chobot, Bianca Dalal, Cheta Emba, Tiffany Faaee, Jordan Gray , Nicole Heavirland, Molly Kinsella, Joanna Kitlinski, Jennifer Lui, Samantha Luther, Laura Miller , Deven OwsianyJane Paar, Samantha Pankey, Sara Parsons, Lauren Rhode, Hope Rogers, Kimberly Rozier, Jennifer Sever, Kelsi Stockert, Alycia Washington , Jessica Wooden