Originally reported by RugbyPass and journalist Joe Harvey.
History is being made in American rugby. For the first time ever, the USA Women’s Eagles are receiving contracts from their national union, marking a seismic shift in the landscape of the sport as the team builds toward the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England.
From April through September, 38 players have been contracted under a new system developed by USA Rugby, designed to provide stability and allow the team to train and compete as professionals. The timing is critical—this six-month stretch is the team’s final push before taking the field at the world’s premier women’s rugby event.
This moment isn’t just about the current squad. It’s the result of decades of persistence, sacrifice, and vision from the generations of women who paved the way—from the trailblazers of the 1970s and ‘80s, to the USA Eagles who won the inaugural Women’s Rugby World Cup in 1991, and every player who once paid their own way just to wear the jersey.
Captain Kate Zackary, now in her seventh year leading the squad, called it a long-overdue milestone.
“Having the contracts in place just creates a sense of stability,” Zackary said. “This is such an important year. Players shouldn’t have to be distracted by figuring out their finances when we’re preparing for the biggest tournament of our careers.”
For decades, most USA players balanced full-time work or school with their rugby responsibilities. Even in the lead-up to previous World Cups, many were forced to take unpaid leave or cobble together savings to train full-time. This year is different.
The new tiered contract structure was developed in collaboration between USA Rugby’s High Performance Director Tamara Sheppard and player representatives from the USA Rugby Players Association. The contracts cover training, competition, and preparation blocks and make up roughly a quarter of the annual women’s 15s budget.
The XV Foundation is also playing a pivotal role. For the first time ever, World Cup performance bonuses are written directly into player contracts, with confirmed funding. The Foundation has committed to raising and distributing over $150,000 in 2025, with tiered disbursements for players who reach milestones such as World Cup camp, squad selection, advancing past pool play, and into the knockout rounds. If unused, remaining funds will roll over into 2026 to support the next World Cup cycle and development pathways. This is the largest bonus program ever offered to the 15s squad and represents a major step toward parity with other professional unions. There was no bonus structure in place during the 2021 World Cup.
The initiative places the United States in the company of established rugby nations like England, New Zealand, France, and Wales, who already support their women’s players financially. Spain, Italy, and Ireland have also committed to varying forms of professional or semi-professional support ahead of the 2025 tournament.
Zackary praised the transparency and collaboration from USA Rugby in making it happen.
“They came to us with a plan,” she said. “We worked through the tiering and fine print together. Once it was finalized, the sense of excitement among the squad was immediate. For some, it’s the first time being paid to play rugby.”
That enthusiasm has been tangible. Players have already received their first paychecks, and for many, especially those based in the U.S. who haven’t played professionally abroad, it’s a career first.
“You could just feel the shift,” Zackary added. “People were uplifted. It makes a difference when rugby becomes something you’re paid to do, not just something you try to fit around everything else.”
In the past, compensation was limited to time spent in national team camps. Now, with consistent income, players can focus solely on performance without the pressure of making rent or navigating job conflicts.
This breakthrough comes during a jam-packed competition schedule. The Women’s Eagles are currently in the middle of the Pacific Four Series, with their final match against New Zealand on May 23. Then it’s back to the States to face Fiji in Washington, D.C., on July 19 as part of a blockbuster doubleheader with the Men’s Eagles.
Zackary, along with veterans like Ilona Maher and Rachel Johnson, have experienced professional setups in England’s Premiership Women’s Rugby. But for much of the team, including players competing in the domestic Women’s Elite Rugby league, this is the first time they’ve been financially supported at the national level.
USA Rugby hopes the program will continue beyond this World Cup cycle and become a permanent fixture in the pathway toward full-time professionalism.
“In the ‘90s, we were paying to play,” Zackary reflected. “In the 2000s, maybe events were covered, but we weren’t paid. Then Covid hit and the whole union had to rebuild. Now we’re finding our way back.”
Since winning the inaugural Women’s Rugby World Cup in 1991, the U.S. has seen its women’s program climb, fall, and reemerge again. With consistent contracts now in place, the team can focus on their play, their preparation, and their potential to once again make history.