Six Chiefs in USA squad to face Italy

By Mark Stevens
7/10/22

Exeter Chiefs Women’s forward Kate Zackary will lead the USA Eagles into battle for their Rugby World Cup opener against Italy on Sunday.

The inspirational No.8 is one of six Chiefs that will line-up for Rob Cain’s side for their Pool B encounter at the Northlands Events Centre in Whangarei.

The 33-year-old will be joined in the starting line-up by club-mates Hope Rogers, Rachel Johnson, Gabby Cantorna and Jennine Detiveaux, while summer signing Charli Jacoby is included amongst the replacements.

After a lengthy build-up to the tournament, which included facing England at Sandy Park, head coach Cain is relishing seeing his side in action on the biggest stage.

“Lots of work has gone into just being here to compete, lots of challenges have been faced as individuals and as a group, but collectively we are both determined and excited to get our Rugby World Cup games started,” he said.

“We have hit the ground running and spent the acclimation time refining the key areas we feel are both strengths and needs for improvement. Not having as many Test match opportunities in 2022 as other countries, we created the opportunity for a closed doors training session with Wales and want to thank them for such a beneficial session as we look to be best prepared before kickoff this Sunday. There has been lots of work put in since our arrival, but none more important than the nine players who have worked tirelessly to best prepare the people around them. Their efforts and altruism this week have really set the tone.

“Italy have been building a core of very experienced players for some time now, through the Six Nations and collectively are a tenacious team who thoroughly deserve their 5th world ranking. Italy's pack and ability to move the ball forward and create the type of speed and ball movement their team wants are key to their success.

“As a group we can't wait to get underway, to showcase our work, our identity and represent the USA Rugby family on the world's biggest stage.”

USA EAGLES TO FACE ITALY WOMEN

15 Alev Kelter (Saracens)
14 Jennine Detiveaux (Exeter Chiefs)
13 Eti Haungatau (Lindenwood University)
12 Katana Howard (Sale Sharks)
11 Lotte Clapp (Saracens)
10 Gabby Cantorna (Exeter Chiefs)
9 Carly Waters (Sale Sharks)
1 Hope Rogers (Exeter Chiefs)
2 Joanna Kitlinski (Sale Sharks)
3 Nick James (Sale Sharks)
4 Hallie Taufoou (Loughborough Lightning)
5 Jenny Kronish (Harlequins)
6 Jordan Matyas (USA Sevens)
7 Rachel Johnson (Exeter Chiefs)
8 Kate Zackary (Exeter Chiefs, capt)

16 Kathryn Treder (Beantown RFC)
17 Catie Benston (Sale Sharks)
18 Charli Jacoby (Exeter Chiefs)
19 Kristine Sommer (Seattle RFC)
20 Georgie Perris-Redding (Sale Sharks)
21 Olivia Ortiz (Colorado Gray Wolves)
22 Meya Bizer (Beantown RFC)
23 Tess Feury (Wasps)