Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) has unveiled two groundbreaking announcements over the last two weeks.
Boston, Chicago, and Denver to Host Inaugural Teams
Women’s Elite Rugby has proudly named Boston, Chicago, and Denver as the first cities to host professional women’s rugby teams. This marks a significant milestone as WER prepares for its inaugural season in Spring 2025. The league plans to start with 6-8 teams, aiming for a strategic expansion over the next decade. The founding players will be announced after a selection process in January 2025.
WER is dedicated to providing athletes with a platform to pursue their rugby aspirations while being compensated for their commitment to elite performance. The league also offers a pathway for younger players to progress to a professional level, nurturing the next generation of women’s rugby stars.
“Today is a monumental day for Women’s Elite Rugby and our commitment to take women’s rugby in the United States to new heights,” said WER President Jessica Hammond-Graf. “We are ecstatic to bring professional women’s rugby teams to markets across the country that exude excellence and have a passion for the growth and development of both rugby and women’s sports for years to come.”
The league is supported by private investors, including sports-focused venture capital and former Procter & Gamble executive Deb Henretta. WER is in the process of closing its current capital round, adding to its diverse roster of investors.
Further team markets will be announced soon, with team names and stadium details to follow.
Boston’s Rich Rugby History
Boston’s rugby history dates back to 1874, with the first recorded match in the United States. The city’s women’s rugby legacy began with K.O. Onufry in the mid-1970s, leading to the formation of the prestigious Beantown Rugby Club. Boston has produced many U.S. Women’s National Team athletes and has a deep-rooted rugby culture.
“As the City of Champions, Boston sets the standard for athletics,” said Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. “We are thrilled to be a host city for the newly launched Women’s Elite Rugby League.”
Chicago’s Pioneering Spirit
Chicago has been a pivotal city in women’s rugby since the late 1970s, hosting the first Women’s National Championships. The city has a rich history of rugby achievements and continues to be a strong supporter of women’s sports.
“We are thrilled to welcome Women’s Elite Rugby to Chicago,” said Phil Clement, President & CEO of World Business Chicago. “This new professional women’s league will enrich our strong sports community and promote equity and inclusivity in athletic excellence.”
Denver’s Mile-High Legacy
Denver boasts a long history of women’s rugby, with the first competitive teams forming in the early 1970s. The city is home to Rugbytown, USA, and has a vibrant rugby culture that continues to grow.
“Denver is thrilled to be a founding city of Women’s Elite Rugby,” said Denver Sports Commission Executive Director Matthew Payne. “With the Rugby World Cup on the horizon, we know the addition of Women’s Elite Rugby will further amplify the culture and love for rugby in Denver.”
WER to Host the Legacy Cup
In another exciting development, WER will host the Legacy Cup, a new women’s national rugby championship, in early September. The 2024 Legacy Cup will feature the top four Women’s Premier League (WPL) teams competing for the new trophy.
Legacy Cup Semi-Finals – September 7
- Location: Madison United Rugby Club, Madison, Wisconsin
- 1:00 PM CDT: Seed #2 vs Seed #3
- 3:00 PM CDT: Seed #1 vs Seed #4
- Tickets: $15 General Admission, $25 VIP
Legacy Cup Final – September 14
- Location: MacPherson Stadium, Greensboro, North Carolina
- 2:00 PM EST: Championship Game
- Tickets: $15 General Admission, $20 Premium L2, $25 Premium L1
“The Legacy Cup is an event for all rugby fans new and old,” said WER Vice President Katherine Aversano. “We welcome everyone to come out, have fun and enjoy some intense competition.”
For more information and updates, follow WER on social media and visit their website for ticket details and event schedules.
About Women’s Elite Rugby (WER)
Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) is the first American professional women’s rugby league. Built on the foundation of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), WER aims to set the standard for rugby in the United States, ushering in a new era of world-class women’s rugby.
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