# Watch out for the Eagles

> USA women's rugby team rising as a force after WXV series success.
- Title: Watch out for the Eagles · The Rugby Paper | Shortify
- Summary: USA women's rugby team rising as a force after WXV series success. USA women's rugby team is regaining prominence with strong forward play and a new coaching…
- Keywords: usa, eagles, women's rugby, wxv, world cup, forwards, sevens rugby, world rugby, sports, Watch, The Rugby Paper
- Source: The Rugby Paper — https://therugbypaper.co.uk/all/world/womens-international/494664/watch-out-for-the-eagles-how-the-usa-are-becoming-a-force-to-be-reckoned-with-once-again
- Author: The Rugby Paper Team
- Published: 2026-10-06T14:32:45+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: usa, eagles, women's rugby, wxv, world cup, forwards, sevens rugby, world rugby, sports
## WXV series success
The USA women's rugby team has won three consecutive matches after inconsistent performances in the last decade.
## Historic World Cup presence
The Eagles were World Cup winners in 1991 and finalists in 1994 and 1998 before declining in the 2000s.
## New coaching strategy
Jack Hanratty, former Canadian Olympic Sevens coach, became head coach after the 2025 World Cup.
## Sevens focus challenges
Relying on Sevens players has led to defensive weaknesses and backfield issues in fifteens rugby.
## Forward dominance
The USA's pack has scored 11 of 14 tries in the last three matches, with forwards driving the team's success.
## Key players
Ilona Maher, Hope Rogers, Keia Mae Sagapolu Sanele, and Freda Tafuna are leading the team's performance.
## Captaincy
Erica Jarrell-Searcy, a viral star from last year's World Cup, leads the team with understated confidence.
## Upcoming challenge
The USA faces England in a potential rematch of their 2017 semi-final after beating Ireland and Wales.
## Domestic growth
Women's Elite Rugby (WER) is entering its third season as a potential feeder for the national team.
## Collegiate system
The collegiate system continues to produce top international players through Title IX.
## Future potential
The USA could return to the top of women's rugby after three decades of inconsistency.
## Next match
The Eagles will face England in October after beating Wales and Italy in WXV.
## Key takeaway

USA women's rugby team is regaining prominence with strong forward play and a new coaching strategy after inconsistent performances in the last decade.