February 8, 2016
USA Women’s Eagles 7s Squad For Brazil
Doug Coil
Baravilala, Fa’avesi return to Eagles for second Series leg
Chad Wise Monday, February 08, 2016
Baravilala, Fa’avesi return to Eagles for second Series leg
USA Rugby Press Release: Women’s Eagles Sevens, February 8, 2016
The second leg of the 2015-16 HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series will be in São Paulo, Brazil, February 20-21, 2016. The first leg was held three months ago in Dubai. That was the first event for the Women’s Eagles Sevens and players were adjusting to the implementation of a Head Coach Jules McCoy’s system.
During the interim, scrimmages were held with Canada and more are expected with Japan. The two scrimmages with Canada resulted in a victory for each, but more importantly readied the team for high level International competition.
Three new players have been added to the squad for the Brazil Sevens. Rachel Griendling and Ashley Perry representing the USA Rugby National Development Academy American Rugby Pro Training Center and Naya Tapper from the University of North Carolina make their debuts.
Veteran Bui Baravilala and Joanne Fa’avesi return to the squad after missing the first leg.
“We are trying to build depth in our pool by adding some new caps,” the head coach said. “We are moving players around some to assess their versatility under pressure in case of future injury, preparing for the best and the worst situations going forward.
“A healthy Bui gives us experience in the midfield. She is a talented, passionate player, and she is excited to get back on the circuit. Joanne is a physical player and quite versatile – she has been working very hard to get back into the starting 12 and is getting her reward.”
Another veteran, Ryan Carlyle returns to the squad. She played this year in the finals of USA Rugby Club 7s National Championships, and won a USA Rugby Women’s Club National Championship with Seattle Saracens.
Jillian Potter has been a warrior on the pitch and off after her battle with cancer. She is an inspiration in her accomplishments and perseverance.
Lauren Doyle and Richelle Stephens were unavailable for selection due to injury.
Jules McCoy also indicated that “we have made progress, but won’t be satisfied until our outcomes improve. The players are more comfortable in the new systems, but now they look to personalize the approach by making the new schemes their own.
“Our team identity, in the end, will be created by the players themselves. I’m excited to see what they come up with.”
The Brazil Sevens will be streamed live on World Rugby’s web page from the Arena Baureri in São Paulo, Brazil. The U.S.’s first match is against New Zealand at 9:50 a.m. ET Saturday, Feb. 20. Matches with Russia and Spain follow the first day in Pool play.
Women’s Eagles Sevens | Brazil Women’s Sevens
Bui Baravilala
Megan Bonny
Ryan Carlyle
Joanne Fa’avesi
Rachel Griendling
Kelly Griffin
Jessica Javelet
Alev Kelter
Ashley Perry
Jillion Potter
Naya Tapper
Kristen Thomas
Women’s Eagles Sevens | Non-traveling reserves
Meya Bizer
Cheta Emba
Jane Paar
Women’s Eagles Sevens | Brazil Women’s Sevens
v. New Zealand – Saturday, Feb. 20 @ 9:50 a.m. ET
v. Russia – Saturday, Feb. 20 @ 12:12 p.m. ET
v. Spain – Saturday, Feb. 20 @ 3:18 p.m. ET
