USA Women’s Rugby Set to Smash Attendance Record in Kansas City

The USA Women’s Eagles are about to make history — and not just on the pitch.

When the Eagles meet Canada on Friday, May 2 at Kansas City’s CPKC Stadium, they’ll do so in front of the largest-ever crowd for a stand-alone women’s rugby match in the United States. More than 7,500 tickets have already been sold, shattering the previous record of just over 2,000, set during a 2021 match between the same two teams at Infinity Park in Glendale, Colorado. And with more than two weeks still to go, that number is expected to climb even higher.

“This is a landmark moment for women’s rugby in the U.S.,” said USA Rugby CEO Bill Goren. “The excitement building in Kansas City shows that the sport is reaching new heights, and we’re thrilled that the Women’s Eagles’ journey to the Rugby World Cup will kick off in front of such a massive crowd.”

The historic matchup will also mark another major milestone: it will be the first non-soccer event ever hosted at CPKC Stadium, the newly opened home of the Kansas City Current. Once again, it’s women leading the way.

Fans in Kansas City won’t just be witnessing a record — they’ll be watching some of the biggest names in American rugby. Olympic medalist and social media standout Ilona Maher headlines the squad, fresh off helping the USA Women’s Sevens team earn a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She’s expected to be joined by a powerhouse lineup that could feature veteran leaders like Hope Rogers, Rachel Johnson, Kate Zackary, and Georgie Perris-Redding — all named in the Eagles’ newly announced 2025 player pool.

Dynamic backs Nicole Heavirland, Alev Kelter, and Emily Henrich bring speed and creativity to the backline, while the forward pack could feature powerful returners like Cheta Emba — and exciting new faces. Among the rising stars is Erica Coulibaly, a standout for Denver Onyx in Women’s Elite Rugby (WER), who is poised to make her senior fifteens debut after an impressive professional season.

Between seasoned veterans and fresh talent, the Eagles’ roster promises no shortage of firepower as they kick off the next phase of their journey.

And there’s plenty more women’s rugby on the horizon. The Kansas City showdown is just one stop on a busy calendar as the USA Women build toward the 2025 Rugby World Cup in London — a tournament that has already broken ticket sales records before the first whistle.

Here’s what’s ahead for the Eagles:

2025 Schedule (Spring and Summer)

• Sat, Apr 26: USA vs Japan – Wallis Annenberg Stadium (Pacific Four Series)

• Fri, May 2: USA vs Canada – CPKC Stadium (Pacific Four Series)

• Sat, May 17: USA vs Wallaroos – GIO Stadium (Pacific Four Series)

• Fri, May 23: USA vs New Zealand – North Harbour Stadium (Women’s Internationals)

• Sat, Jul 19: USA vs Fiji – Audi Field (World Cup warm-up)

USA’s Pool Matches at the 2025 Rugby World Cup

• Fri, Aug 22: USA vs England – Stadium of Light (Sunderland)

• Sat, Aug 30: USA vs Australia – LNER Community Stadium (York)

• Sat, Sep 6: USA vs Samoa – LNER Community Stadium (York)

The Eagles open their World Cup campaign with a blockbuster clash against England — a rematch of the 1991 and 1994 Rugby World Cup Finals. They’ll then face fierce rivals Australia before wrapping up pool play against a rising Samoa squad. All matches will be available to watch live on RugbyPass TV, with U.S. viewing options likely on Peacock.

Hosting this record-breaking match also strengthens Kansas City’s growing reputation as a rugby destination, with an eye toward the future. Kansas City is one of the cities vying to host matches during the 2031 Men’s Rugby World Cup and the 2033 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

“Kansas City is proud to host this historic matchup,” said Kathy Nelson, President and CEO of the Kansas City Sports Commission and Visit KC. “Our community has always celebrated women’s sports, and we’re thrilled to welcome rugby fans to the Heart of America.”

Tickets for the USA vs. Canada match are still available, but they’re moving fast. If the current momentum continues, CPKC Stadium will be completely sold out well before kickoff — a fitting backdrop for a night that promises to be unforgettable.

More info and tickets