Zackary to lead USA against Canada

By Harry Scott-Munro
1/11/21

Exeter Chiefs Women’s co-captain Kate Zackary will captain the USA Women’s Eagles from No.8 as one of three Chiefs players named in Rob Cain’s match-day squad to take on North American rivals Canada today.

Fellow Chief Rachel Johnson will line up alongside Zackary in the back-row, whilst top points-scorer Gabby Cantorna has been selected at inside centre.

All three have been standout performers for Susie Appleby’s side this season - with Zackary recently being named as the Allianz Premier 15s Player of the Month.

The match marks the first of four autumn tests for Cain’s side, who after today's game face a second test against Canada, followed by tests against Ireland and England.

Ranked 6th in the world, the USA Women will face the 3rd ranked Canadians for the first time since November of 2019 when both teams played their last test matches before COVID-19. Today’s fixture will also whet the appetites of fans with the sides to meet in the Rugby World Cup Pool B finale in New Zealand later this year.

Up to four players could make their senior national team debut, with second-row Jenny Kronish and flanker Rachel Ehrecke, set to be joined by replacement hooker Saher Hamdan and wing Ilona Maher should they both enter the field.

There is a strong Premier 15s flavour to the side, with nine players currently plying their trade in the league named in the team.

Speaking ahead of the match, Cain was hoping that the efforts of his players in training, could be translated into the match. He said: “It’s been a really positive four days. The energy, excitement, effort and level of detail in the small talk is great to see. A lot of hard work has gone on between our enforced departure from test match rugby. Two years is a long time between games, so we are extremely grateful to be back playing.”

Cain also admitted that he couldn’t have picked a better fixture for his side to have, as they get their first taste of international rugby in nearly two years.

“We are excited for these players to express themselves against a very talented, physical and dangerous Canada team, taking another step towards where we want to be at the World Cup. It’s great to start our journey back from the wilderness with such a historical rivalry.”

Supporters wishing to watch the match, will be able to via the World Rugby Facebook page and YouTube channel.

USA Eagles side to face Canada

15. McKenzie Hawkins, Colorado Gray Wolves
14.Tess Feury, New York Rugby
13. Alev Kelter, USA Sevens
12. Gabby Cantorna, Exeter Chiefs (ENG)
11. Sarah Levy, USA Sevens
10. Megan Foster, San Diego Surfers
9. Carly Waters, Saracens (ENG)
1. Hope Rogers, Life West Gladiatrix
2. Joanna Kitlinski, Colorado Gray Wolves
3. Charli Jacoby, Loughborough Lightning (ENG)
4. Jenny Kronish, Beantown RFC
5. Alycia Washington, Worcester Warriors (ENG)
6. Rachel Ehrecke, Colorado Gray Wolves
7. Rachel Johnson. Exeter Chiefs (ENG)
8. Kate Zackary (capt), Exeter Chiefs (ENG)

16. Saher Hamdan, Life University
17. Maya Learned, Gloucester Hartpury (ENG)
18. Nick James, Sale Sharks (ENG)
19. Kristine Sommer, Gloucester Hartpury (ENG)
20. Elizabeth Cairns, Life West Gladiatrix
21. Olivia Ortiz, Davenport & Chicago North Shore
22. Joanne Nana Fa’avesi, USA Sevens
23. Ilona Maher, USA Sevens