USA Falcons complete tour to Brazil
The USA Falcons team (largely U23 squad) has completed a two match tour to Brazil, playing against the Brazilian national team in Sao Paulo.
Published by John Birch, June 14th, 2024
3 minute read
Both games were close, with the first game on June 11 ending 19-12 for Brazil and the second game on June 14 also won by the hosts, 21-12.
Overall this was a good tour for the USA Falcons that tested them against a good senior women's international team and forced to front-up against more experienced and hardened players, as well as take part in an international tour. It was also a valuable warm-up for Brazil ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Colombia.
Both games were three tries to two.
Game 1: Brazil 19 USA 12
Game 2: Brazil 21 USA 12
Before the tour Brandon Sparks, USA Rugby's High Performance Head said this would be an important proving ground for players on the cusp of being capped, or players who have only been capped a few times, and a key chance for coaches with Eagle aspirations to run the team.
“The selection process for this traveling roster was in collaboration with our pathway coaches and national team staf," said Sparks. "We are excited to see the players who made the trip as it's an exciting blend of national team players and upcoming pathway players. We also are working to expand our pool of coaches and support staff and it is exciting to provide opportunities for them with this tour. This tour is another step in progressing the development and creating opportunities for the players in America. While the short turnaround from PAC4 and the timing of this tour with college graduations and other important life milestones that happen this time of year was a challenge, we will keep creating more opportunities for players to play rugby.”
The USA Falcons squad included several players in college or just graduating, and even included a player fresh out of High School - Sariah Ibarra - who is qualified for both New Zealand and USA.
USA squad:
Alivia Leatherman; Anna Van Dyk; Asialeata Meni; Atumata Hingano; Emerson Allen; Emily Henrich; Freda Tafuna; Kelsie O'Brien; Kristin Bitter; Lauren Ferridge; Leti Hingano; Malia Isaacs; Matalasi Morrissette; Maya Learned; Nikki Kenyon; Nikki Lynch; Rachel Ehrecke; Reece Woods; Sariah Ibarra; Sophia Lamphier; Sophie Pyrz; Tiahna Padilla; Tiara A'au