Eagles boss Jack Hanratty sets 'challenging' goal ahead of Wales match

USA Women’s Eagles boss Jack Hanratty has named his squad to face to Wales at Cardiff Arms Park in their second match of the WXV Global Series.

After beating Ireland in a statement 40-36 victory at Tallaght Stadium, the now sixth-ranked side must take on an eleventh-placed Wales team raring to go following their eight-try 50-19 victory over South Africa.

Hanratty has made slight adjustments to his starting XV, with Nina Mason starting at fly-half after making her USA debut off the bench against Ireland, Bella Vogel moving to inside centre, Emily Henrich shifting to outside centre and Katana Howard being named on the bench.

Prop Hope Rogers and hooker Kathryn Treder, who scored three tries between them against Ireland, are joined by Keia Mae Sagapolu-Senele in the front row.

Hallie Taufoou and Rachel Ehrecke partner in the second row.

Co-captain Georgie Perris-Redding will lead the pack once again, with Hann Humphreys and last week’s player of the match Freda Tafuna joining her in the back row.

Erica Coulibaly, Telesi Uhatafe and Kayla Canett form the USA’s back three, with Emily Henrich and Bella Vogel combining in the midfield and Nina Mason and Abigail Paton making up the half-back partnership.

On the bench, the USA’s other co-captain Erica Jarrell-Searcy is named, alongside Chloe Hill-Huse, Alivia Leatherman, Reece Wood, Kapoina Bailey, Cassidy Bargell, Katana Howard and Tessa Hann.

Ahead of the clash against Sean Lynn’s side, USA head coach Jack Hanratty said, “A win can be massive for the group and although we were in a battle, the energy since (last week) has been vibrant. Not just because of the win but because of the potential.

“We have the opportunity to go three international wins in a row, which is no easy feat, but this is a real challenge.

“Wales showed massive dominance and look like they have a new DNA when they played South Africa last weekend – which are a team that we had a real arm wrestle with this past summer. The quick six-day turnaround for us, versus an eight day for Wales is big in preparation, so this week we have to get right.”

2026 WXV Global Series | USA match day squad v Wales

15. Kayla Canett
14. Telesi Uhatafe
13. Emily Henrich
12. Bella Vogel
11. Erica Coulibaly
10. Nina Mason
9. Abigail Paton
1. Hope Rogers
2. Kathryn Treder
3. Keia Mae Sagapolu-Senele
4. Hallie Taufoou
5. Rachel Ehrecke
6. Hann Humphreys
7. Georgie Perris-Redding (co-capt)
8. Freda Tafuna

Replacements

16. Chloe Hill-Huse
17. Alivia Leatherman
18. Reece Woods
19. Erica Jarrell-Searcy (co-capt)
20. Kapoina Bailey
21. Cassidy Bargell
22. Katana Howard
23. Tessa Hann