Eagle #237 Alycia Washington is stepping away from international competition, announcing her retirement from the USA Eagles as she prepares with the Barbarians FC as they head to South Africa for a matchup against the Springbok Women. This will be Alycia’s second selection to the international all-star team.
Washington began playing rugby at the age of 17, showing promise in rugby early on and immediately falling in love with the game. Washington was a stand-out player on the USA radar, earning honors as a two-time Junior All-American (2009 & 2011) and a two-time Collegiate All-American (2011 & 2012) with the University of Connecticut.
On her retirement, Washington said, “Working toward a USA jersey has been my passion, my escape, and my identity for the last 16 years. As I retire from international rugby, I'm excited for the new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead with my club, as a referee, coach, and advocate. Endless thanks are due to everyone who has supported my journey, and here's to the next chapter!”
She made her Eagles debut in June 2015, as a starting lock against England. Two years later, she went on to win a Women’s Premier League Championship with New York Rugby. That same year, Washington earned a selection for the Rugby World Cup 2017 in Ireland, where she helped the Eagles to a semifinal and finished fourth.
Alycia took her talents across the pond in 2019, competing in Premiership Women’s Rugby with the Worcester Warriors and Sale Sharks, joining a group of USA Eagles elevating their game overseas.
Washington earned 26 caps with the Eagles, last taking the pitch against Canada for the 2023 Pacific Four Series in April 2023.
In January 2020, Washington co-founded the XV Foundation with fellow teammate Kristine Sommer, creating an organization dedicated to fundraising for the USA Women’s Eagles players.
Washington has been a great advocate for rugby, supporting off-field initiatives as a coach, first with Yale Rugby, and has been a certified referee since 2013. Continuing to support community growth, Alycia served as the President of Rugby Connecticut, a State Youth Rugby Organization focused on youth development throughout the state. As a spokesperson, Washington has been a consistent ambassador, most recently featured with Kristine Sommer in World Rugby’s Women In Rugby Campaign, a storyline on behind-the-scenes life for international women’s rugby players.
