Roster Set for Women's Junior All-Americans' Tri-Nations Cup

  • 25 Women’s Junior All-Americans named for Tri-Nations Cup
  • Athletes will face rival-Canada’s U20s on August 7th and England’s U20s on August 15th in Nova Scotia
  • Senior women’s players Kayla Canett and Mata Hingano included in roster

CHULA VISTA, CA. – Women’s Junior All-Americans’ (U20s) Head Coach James English has selected 25 athletes for the upcoming U20 Women’s Tri-Nations Cup beginning next week. Facing rival-Canada’s U20s on August 7th and England’s U20s on August 14th at Acadia University in Wolfville, N.S., English will have the support of new Women’s National Team Head Coach Rob Cain throughout the tournament. The entire tournament can be streamed live here with updates available by following @USARugby on Twitter.

“This should be a great learning experience for the players. There is a really nice blend of experience in the squad, for some this will be their first taste of international rugby,” says Head Coach English. “On the other hand, we want to see the more experienced players really step up and lead. The tour will be a great opportunity to benchmark as this group looks towards 2020 and beyond.”

Of the 25 women’s athletes traveling to Nova Scotia, four currently compete for high school clubs, five come from Lindenwood University — recent National Champions in both fifteens and sevens — while three play senior club rugby across the U.S.

The team also includes significant experience from Women’s National Team players Kayla Canett and Mata Hingano. Canett joined the Women’s National Team for their fourth-place finish at the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2017; also making four tournament appearances in the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series. Hingano owns two appearances in the aforementioned Women’s Sevens Series, as well.

The U20 Women’s Tri-Nations Cup begins August 7th with the Women’s Junior All-Americans (WJAAs) facing rival-Canada’s U20s. The following week, the WJAAs will play England’s U20s in their final match on August 14th, both taking place at Acadia University. Updates will be available by following @USARugby on Twitter.

Competitions like the Tri-Nations Cup are critical for the development of athletes as they continue their journey to become national team players. And, in order to compete, monetary support from the community is crucial. To support All-American athletes, click here.

 

WOMEN’S JUNIOR ALL-AMERICANS TRI-NATIONS CUP ROSTER

Player Name Position Player School/Club
A’au, Suiluana Center Central Washington University
A’au, Tiana Prop Central Washington University
A’au, Tiara Prop Central Washington University
Arena, Destiny Hooker Lindenwood University
Bargell, Cassidy Wing Summit Rugby (HS)
Canett, Kayla Flyhalf Penn State University
Cervinski, Sydnee Fullback Life University
Freeman, Morgan Flanker Ft. Miami Rugby
Fromstein, Elisha Hooker Penn State University
Gray, Natalie Lock Lindenwood University
Haungatau, Fane “Eti” Prop SacPAL Rugby (HS)
Henrich, Emily Center Orchard Park Rugby (HS)
Hingano, Mata Center Utah Valley University
Jones, Tori Prop University of Notre Dame
Manu, Isabel Prop Lindenwood University
Matina, Aniya Flanker Provo Steelers (HS)
Ortiz, Olivia Scrumhalf Davenport University
Pasioles, Mary Jane Scrumhalf Central Washington University
Sedrick, Alexandria Wing Life University
Strong, Mckenna Lock Lindenwood University
Tamaivena, Adi Finau No. 8 Seattle Saracens
Thunen, Lauren Flanker University of California Santa Barbara
Tuilaepa, Penina Prop Lindenwood University
Wilson, Elizabeth Flanker Northern Virginia Rugby (NOVA)
Tancredi, Samantha Lock North Bay Rugby (HS)

WOMEN’S JUNIOR ALL-AMERICANS U20 TRI-NATIONS CUP STAFF

WJAA Head Coach – James English
Coach – Rob Cain (Head Coach of Women’s 15s National Team)
Coach – Kate Daley
Strength & Conditioning Coach – Ian Jones
Athletic Trainer – Katherine Henry
Team Manager – Kirstin Maurer
Pathway Manager – Anna Kunkel

WOMEN’S JUNIOR ALL-AMERICANS U20 TRI-NATIONS CUP SCHEDULE

vs Canada U20s
Tue, August 7 – 5:30 PM ET
Acadia University

vs England U20s
Tue, August 14 – 5:30 PM ET
Acadia University