Much anticipation came to debut today at Stade de France, with the USA Women’s Rugby Sevens team beginning competition at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Going 2-0 on the day, with wins over Japan and Brazil, the United States secures a spot in the quarterfinal with one last match against host France for the top spot in Pool C. Allowing only 12 total points across both games, the defensive effort from the USA will be the key takeaway into day two on Monday.
On the striking side of the ball, Sammy Sullivan, Ilona Maher, Kristi Kirshe and Spiff Sedrick all tallied two tries. Match one saw Japan come out of the gates first with an opening try under the posts, waking the USA defense up a bit, and setting course for a 36-7 win.
Co-Captain Naya Tapper said after the opener, when asked about the Captain’s role in Paris, “It feels amazing, honestly I have to remind myself every day that I’m in this situation. I could have never imagined playing in two Olympics, as well as Captaining the team. I never saw myself in a leadership role, as a black woman you’re expected to be quiet and follow the rules but that’s something I never did, so I appreciate my coach for lifting me up on the characteristics I have. I’m happy to be a great representation for the young black girls watching me.”
When asked what a medal would mean to her and the game of rugby, Tapper answered, “That would end my career in the most beautiful way. It would mean so much to the sport, to the organization, especially in the US where we’re really trying to grow the sport. I think being able to get the gold here, with this team, will show the importance of culture and how the USA plays rugby.”
Match two was a clash with Brazil, a squad the USA has seen a few times on the World Rugby Sevens Series. This Olympic fixture however was all in USA hands as the Eagles pulled away early for a 24-5 victory. The two wins officially secure a spot in the Gold Medal quarterfinal.
Sammy Sullivan reflected on the day, “I’d say right now we feel like the job is done for day one, got the two wins in. It wasn’t the prettiest win against Brazil, but we’d be scared if every game looked pretty. It was good to get those first couple shocks in, prove to ourselves that we can be resilient, fight those tough calls and tough mistakes. For tomorrow’s game we’re feeling pumped. The crowd has been electric, we’ve all said we’re excited to play France in France, because of this amazing crowd. No matter the outcome though, we’re ultimately making history.”
Up next the USA face France, and the French crowd, Monday at 9:30AM ET on CNBC and Peacock.
| Name | Hometown | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Alena Olsen | Caledonia, Michigan | Scrumhalf |
| Alev Kelter | Eagle River, Alaska | Center/Prop |
| Ariana Ramsey | King of Prussia, Pennsylvania | Wing |
| Ilona Maher | Burlington, Vermont | Center/Prop |
| Kayla Canett | Fallbrook, California | Flyhalf |
| Kristi Kirshe | Franklin, Massachusetts | Hooker/Prop |
| Lauren Doyle (C) | Boody, Illinois | Flyhalf |
| Naya Tapper (C) | Charlotte, North Carolina | Wing |
| Sammy Sullivan | Fayetteville, North Carolina | Prop/Hooker |
| Sarah Levy | San Diego, California | Hooker |
| Spiff Sedrick | Herriman, Utah | Center |
| Steph Rovetti | Reno, Nevada | Scrumhalf |
| Nicole Heavirland (Traveling Reserve) | Whitefish, Montana | Hooker/Scrumhalf |
| Kris Thomas (Traveling Reserve) | Philadelphia | Hooker/Prop |
General Manager of High Performance | Tamara Sheppard
Head Coach | Emilie Bydwell
Assistant Coach | Zack Test
Strength & Conditioning | Trey Ford
Team Manager | Liz Strohecker
Physiotherapist | Nicole Titmas
Team Doctor | Alex Myers
Sports Psychologist | Peter Haberl
Press Officer | Taylor Dean
Sunday, July 28
USA vs Japan | 36-7 (W)
USA vs Brazil | 24-5 (W)
Monday, July 29
USA vs France | 9:30AM ET
All matches will be live on Peacock TV with select games on NBC networks.
