The USA Women's Eagles will face off against New Zealand in the final match of the Pacific Four Series on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 11:30 PM ET at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland.
Following a hard-fought performance against the Wallaroos last weekend, where they narrowed the margin to 8 points, the Eagles are determined to finish the series with a strong statement against the Black Ferns. The match will be broadcast exclusively on CBS Sports Network.
Head Coach Sione Fukofuka and staff have made tactical shifts to the starting XV, seeing new faces enter the fold. Sariah Ibarra, Paige Stathopoulos, and Freda Tafuna have earned their first series starts, with Aliva Leatherman joining the reserves, ready to make an impact from the bench. With Ibarra starting in the 10 shirt, McKenzie Hawkins shifts to the Center role with her versatility, though not an unfamiliar position for her as she first debuted in the 12 jersey in 2018, in a match also against the Black Ferns.
The Eagles are eager to step up to the challenge the Black Ferns will present identifying opportunities in their set piece to spark attack through the strong USA defensive foundation.
Fukofuka commented, “We are focused on bouncing back. There were a lot of great elements from the game last week, but we just weren't able to convert enough opportunities into points. Set piece is a big part of our DNA and our ability to transition will be a secondary focus to give us more chances to score.
“We know what the Black Ferns will bring. We're expecting a physical, up-tempo attacking mindset. They've got some very talented players, they’re very well coached, and they’ll be lifted by their home crowd. We're preparing to match that energy and bring our Eagle's DNA to the fore - being physical, using the ball well and having opportunities to score off set piece.”
Following the conclusion of the Pacific Four Series, the USA Women's Eagles will return to the United States for a five-week reload. This period will allow players to recover and refocus before reassembling for their final preparation camp leading into the Rugby World Cup. The squad will be back in action next on USA soil in an exciting double-header with the Men's Eagles in Washington D.C. on July 19th, where the women will face Fiji. Tickets available at usa.rugby/tickets
| NAME | CLUB | INTL. CAPS |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Hope Rogers | Exeter Chiefs | 53 |
| 2. Paige Stathopoulos | Ealing Trailfinders / Boston Banshees | 16 |
| 3. Keia Mae Sagapolu | ACT Brumbies | 17 |
| 4. Hallie Taufoou | Loughborough Lightning / Denver Onyx | 25 |
| 5. Erica Jarrell | Sale Sharks | 17 |
| 6. Freda Tafuna | Lindenwood Lions | 12 |
| 7. Kate Zackary | Ealing Trailfinders | 43 |
| 8. Rachel Johnson | Exeter Chiefs / Denver Onyx | 35 |
| 9. Olivia Ortiz | Sale Sharks | 24 |
| 10. Sariah Ibarra | USA Sevens | 3 |
| 11. Cheta Emba | Boston Banshees | 14 |
| 12. McKenzie Hawkins | Denver Onyx | 23 |
| 13. Ilona Maher | USA Sevens / Bristol Bears | 4 |
| 14. Emily Henrich | Leicester Tigers / Boston Banshees | 23 |
| 15. Bulou Mataitoga | Loughborough Lightning / Bay Area Breakers | 24 |
| 16. Kathryn Treder | Loughborough Lightning / Bay Area Breakers | 28 |
| 17. Alivia Leatherman | Trailfinders / Twin Cities Gemini | 5 |
| 18. Charli Jacoby | Exeter Chiefs / Queensland Reds | 35 |
| 19. Rachel Ehrecke | Denver Onyx | 21 |
| 20. Tahlia Brody | Leicester Tigers / Denver Onyx | 18 |
| 21. Cass Bargell | Boston Banshees | 6 |
| 22. Nicole Heavirland | USA Sevens / Boston Banshees | 11 |
| 23. Tess Feury | Leicester Tigers / New York Exiles | 33 |
Head Coach | Sione Fukofuka
Assistant Coach | Mel Bosman
Assistant Coach | Sarah Chobot
Head of Athletic Performance | Charles Dudley
Lead Analyst | Caitlin Singletary
Performance Psychologist | Scott Goldman
Lead Physiotherapist | Emily Lauer
Physiotherapist | Alice Grellman
Team Doctor | Marvin Valencia
Team Manager | Alana Gattinger
High Performance Director | Tamara Sheppard
Media Manager | Jenni Burke
USA v Japan | 33-39 (L)
Wallis Annenberg Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
USA v Canada | 26-14 (L)
CPKC Stadium, Kansas City, MO
USA v Australia | 19-27 (L)
GIO Stadium, Canberra, Australia
USA v New Zealand | Pacific Four Series
Fri, May 23, 2025 | 11:35pm ET
North Harbour Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand
Watch LIVE on CBS Sports Network
