Alev Kelter could be one of them USA The most experienced female Eagles players. But she has never experienced a winning streak like the one the team is currently enjoying.
Last weekend in Nashville, Tennessee, the Eagles secured their fifth straight win and fourth in the WXV Global Series. This is the first time the USA has won five Tests in a row since 2006.
Back-to-back home games against Italy it came right after a September in which the side was stunned Ireland in Dublin and fought to victory against Wales in Cardiff.
The USA started the year with a third place finish in the Pacific Four series. In July, the side went on tour South Africa and lost the first Test at Ellis Park 43-21. Despite being soundly beaten, they rallied to record a 26-19 victory at Loftus Versfeld a week later. It was the first of their five consecutive victories.
Jack Hanratty’s first year as head coach couldn’t have gone any better. Regardless of the final result this Friday night at Sports Illustrated Stadium against the Red Roses.
Something that has contributed to this success is the talent that Hanratty and his coaching staff have uncovered. Throughout the year, many new players were included and their performances kept them in the team.
For the team that left the women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 a year ago after a win, a draw and a loss; the future looks incredibly bright for this group of players.
“I stay away from comparisons to previous years and just focus on the present,” Kelter said RugbyPass.
“What I can say is, what we do is what we do. Paying and believing in the younger generation – giving those players time to play – have been key focuses this year.”
“We don’t just want a whopping 15, 23 or 32. We want squad depth of 50 or even 100 players who are reliable, ready and willing to pull on the jersey when called upon, not just Test match depth but depth under pressure.
“It was great to see everyone step up, wear this logo with pride and represent what it means to be an Eagle.”
This week, teenage fullback Bella Vogel was named the first US national team to be nominated for the 15-year-old Women’s Rugby World Player of the Year. Abigail Paton and Nina Mason also looked more than comfortable playing Test rugby.
Without a doubt, Vogel has caught the world’s attention. Comfortable striking with either foot, excellent passing range and ability to orchestrate an international match at just 19 is nothing short of astonishing. It is little surprise that the Life University student has started in all nine Test matches for the USA in 2026. All as a starter.
“There’s a certain level of confidence in this younger generation,” Kelter smiled. “They will try their best in everything. There is playfulness and joy in them.
“Even in our gym sessions, players like Abs and Bella are catching the ball and doing scrum-half and fly-half work together. It’s a breath of fresh air. It’s rejuvenating to see that joy.”
With new players and new coaches came a different playing philosophy. Ahead of his appointment as Women’s Eagles boss, Hanratty noted he wanted to “explore the game” in the US as he hoped to unlock the potential of his players. It can certainly be said that in recent weeks the door has not simply been unlocked, but has been thrown off its hinges.
No.8 Freda Tafuna has been one of the most in-form players in recent weeks. The 23-year-old, who almost gave up the game, scored seven tries in four WXV Global Series games, beat 38 defenders and carried the ball 101 times.
Those numbers put her in her own stratosphere. That’s before even mentioning co-captain Georgie Perris-Redding, who scored five tries of her own this fall, all while leading her team by example.
Last week at Geodis Park, the forwards ruled as the pack claimed all eight of the USA’s tries in a true display of dominance.
Despite the offense dominating the afternoon, Kelter was named Tennessee’s player of the year for her well-rounded performance, which saw the 35-year-old take responsibility for touchdowns and complete five line breaks en route to 112 yards. Not bad considering she started out of position on the wing.
“In weeks, we talk about playing ‘street ball’ — like you’re in your backyard having fun,” Kelter said. “There’s an innocence in showing up and competing and wanting to compete with each other. That’s what we’re trying to create here. It’s about creating continuity, working with the ball and being willing to play from anywhere. That’s what we’re trying to create.
“There are a million ways to solve a problem. A million different lines you can run and different ways to score. Whatever is happening at the moment is right and you have to support it.
“Right now, our forwards are absolutely world-class. They were indomitable. I’m incredibly proud of them.”
Kelter enjoyed the Eagles’ tour of their homeland. She described the pit stops in Texas and Tennessee as “amazing.” The players ran into fans on the streets of Nashville and saw billboards advertising the doubleheader.
New Jersey has a similar feel. Kelter keeps getting messages about tickets from family and friends. Rather, it’s a message from a fan telling her she’ll be in Harrison on Friday afternoon.
Friday’s game will bring to a close a demanding fall campaign for both teams. Although Kelter is quite fresh after playing in the Ultimate Sevens in September. It is set to be an occasion to remember.
The Eagles will finish the WXV Global Series, and 2026, vs Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Champions England in New Jersey. The Red Roses come into the competition damaged by back-to-back losses to Canada north of the border and their 41 game unbeaten streak ended.
“First,” Kelter began, “hats off England for such a long winning streak. They will leave as a dynasty. They were part of sports history.
“They’re also a professional side. They’ll sit down, talk things through, work with their sports psychologist and come back better. They’re great teams. There’s no doubt they’ll do that.”
“We can’t afford to think they’re wounded. They’re a professional team that will show up ready to compete at their best. We want to focus on ourselves: the details, our game plan and how we can bring them excellence. We know the things we’ve been working on are effective.
“The biggest thing is to be united. Whatever is being said in the locker room or the team room, the message is that we are united and we believe. That’s the American way.
“I would love to see another 80-minute performance. This year has been a snowball, with every performance compared to the last. When you play the best teams in the world, even the smallest mistake can be punished.”
“Success will be based on those little moments and celebrating them, poaching, Bella’s conversions and rebounding the ball.
“It all comes back to that positivity, that joy, that responsibility and excellence that we demand from ourselves. Bringing those values to the field and embracing them will be key this weekend.”
