subject: U.s. Women's Rugby Tackles The World [print this page] Women's rugby began 30 years ago at Colorado and Illinois college campuses, where three teams were formed in 1972. Upon graduation, the women went on to set up teams in nearby cities and community centers.
U.S. women rugby programs, developed college and high school divisions, a U19 Girls National Team program, and now have the first female Union president. Women's rugby is growing a huge fan base, both in the U.S. and internationally, with teams competing in six domestic divisions.
Chronologically, in 1975, rugby games were played in the United States Rugby Football Union, which consisted of teams in the East, West, Midwest and Pacific. In 1978, the first Women's National Championship was formed in Chicago, Illinois. 1985 saw the start of the U.S. "Women's National Team," which toured England and France, undefeated. In 1987, the USA Women's National Team was officially called, the "Women Eagles," team, played against the Canadian Women's National Team. The games between the two nations became known as the CanAm games.
In 1990, the Women's National Team, under the name of USA Presidents' 15, played New Zealand at the Women's World Rugby Festival, but unfortunately experienced their first loss. In 1991, the first Women's Rugby "World Cup" games were held in Cardiff, Wales. Twelve countries competed in the World Cup rugby games. The U.S. Women's Rugby team, The Eagles, defeated New Zealand in the semi-finals and went on to defeat England in the finals.
In 1996, a woman's U.S. International 7's rugby team competed in the rugby games, under the name "Atlantis," in Hong Kong and finished the tour, undefeated. The U23 Women's National Team, was formed in 1997. Worldwide, the U.S. Women's National Team is represented by five teams: U19, U23, 7's, USA-A and the Women Eagles. Today, the Women Eagles are still a powerhouse, maintaining their fifth place standing in the rugby games.
