Women Players, Fans Have Place at USA Sevens In Las Vegas

The USA 7s and Las Vegas Invitational may give a lot of press for men’s rugby, but women have a huge role to play not only as players in the LVI and the Women’s International 7s, but as spectators.

One of the largest fields of the USA Women’s International 7s will play February 11-12. The USA, Canada, Spain, France, Netherlands and Brazil are all scheduled to participate. Australia or Sweden are also possible participants, with the 8th team to play possible Canada A. Still it’s a tournament of eight teams, which is new for the women’s event, and the USA is for the first time not forced into providing a second side to make up the numbers.

Meanwhile the fledgling Women’s Open 7s has exploded. Canada has provided a large number of participating teams, from Canada B and Canada C, to the Guelph Gryphons, York Lions, Alberta Pandas and Waterloo Warriors. Meanwhile for the US of A, the Provo Lady Steelers, Dirty Merkins (featuring several former USA players) and East Palo Alto all have potential. There’s also Amandamania. We’re not sure who Amanda is, but she must be pretty impressive to get a team named after her.

Defending champs Laie of Hawaii applied late, and are on the waiting list.

Club players, internationals, fans and friends. All have a good time in Vegas. Alex Goff, Ian Muir, Sabrina Asch photos.

With so many teams involved, it’s worth noting that the USA 7s, which supports the LVI, has always been a women-friendly event.

“I see probably four reasons for women to go to the USA 7s,” said Julie McCoy, who helped spearhead the Women’s International 7s event as then-USA 7s coach. “One is to support the women’s tournament. This is the one chance we get to see international women’s 7s on USA soil, period! I think we should be there to support that tournament and the USA.”

Second, said McCoy, is to support the USA.

“I am not a fickle fan,” she said.  “No matter who the players are, the coaches, or the administrators, I support the USA national team, men or women. This is a great opportunity for women fans to support the USA in two competitions.”

Third, is that you learn.

“You become more knowledgeable watching these players play. You see them doing things you haven’t done, and you see when they do it right and when they do it wrong. I took my Little Rock men’s team to Vegas last year and they came out of that fired up. As a former women’s national team coach, I can tell you that you definitely learn from the men players.”

“We will be watching the USA 7’s as well as playing 15s and 7s that weekend,” said Provo Lady Steelers officer Lavinia Mounga. “I know we are a 15’s team but we think that knowing about any aspect of rugby whether it’s 7-a-side or 15s is beneficial.  It is also fun though because it is a faster paced game.”

And finally, there’s something to be said for sisterhood.

“I go for the rugby,” said McCoy, “But a lot of people go for the camaraderie and to see friends and be with friends. I think that’s a great part of our game. Sevens is a part of the sport where men and women come together, and what better place to do it, than when we can support both our national teams.”

Women who love rugby, want to learn how to play rugby, and want to cheer for the USA, should be in Vegas in February.