Ilona Maher Returns, USA Rugby Set For Historic Showdown Vs. Canada
Ilona Maher Returns, USA Rugby Set For Historic Showdown Vs. Canada
USA Women’s Rugby face Canada in a record-setting rugby match as Ilona Maher returns to 15s; live on Friday at 8:30 p.m. ET.
The USA Women’s Eagles are poised to make history Friday night when they take on rival Canada in the opening match of the 2025 Pacific Four Series at CPKC Stadium.
The matchup is set to break two major records, including the largest crowd for a standalone women’s rugby match on United States' soil.
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CPKC Stadium, the country’s first purpose-built venue for women’s sports, will host a near-capacity crowd that more than doubles the previous attendance record for a Women’s Eagles match.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET.
Headlining the evening is a milestone moment for prop Hope Rogers, who will earn her 52nd international cap, surpassing Jamie Burke’s long-standing record for most appearances with the Women’s Eagles.
Rogers, a veteran with the Exeter Chiefs and a 2024 World Rugby Team of the Year honoree, will wear the No. 1 jersey.
“Hope is humble as a person and works so hard on and off the field, it’s easy to celebrate her success,” said head coach Sione Fukofuka. “She is playing some of the best rugby of her career, which is a testament to her commitment to the team and playing for her country.”
While Friday’s clash will be a celebration of Rogers’ achievement, it also marks an exciting return for Ilona Maher, one of the biggest stars in international rugby.
Maher, who became a viral sensation and a global ambassador for the sport after a standout performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, will earn her third cap in the 15 format, starting at center.
Following the Olympics, Maher transitioned back into 15-a-side rugby with the Bristol Bears in England’s Premier Women’s Rugby competition, where her power and personality once again captivated fans.
Now, she brings that momentum back to the international stage, injecting star power and attacking prowess into the Eagles’ backline.
The Eagles are coming off a narrow 39-33 loss to Japan and are eager to rebound against a familiar and formidable opponent in Canada.
Fukofuka emphasized the team’s focus on precision and physicality during preparations.
“The loss last week was disappointing,” Fukofuka said. “This week has been about getting the details right, being explosive in contact and improving decision-making under pressure.”
The roster also features more fresh faces and returning talent.
Fellow USA sevens veteran Nicole Heavirland joins the reserves, looking to earn her first 15s cap since the 2017 Rugby World Cup.
Rising collegiate stars Freda Tafuna and Taina Tukuafu round out the squad changes from last week.
The Eagles’ match against Canada kicks off a demanding Pacific Four Series schedule that also will see the United States face Australia on May 17 in Canberra and New Zealand on May 23 in Auckland.
While the rivalry with Canada always promises fireworks, Friday night’s match is shaping up to be much more - a showcase of American rugby’s rising stars, a historic setting and a chance to build momentum for the remainder of what will be a huge season.
How To Watch New Zealand Black Ferns Vs. USA Ruby
The Black Ferns host USA Rugby at 11:35 p.m. ET on May 23, and the match is streaming live on FloRugby and the FloSports app.
How To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby
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