Denver Onyx Win the First-Ever Legacy Cup, Ushering in a New Era for Women’s Rugby in the USA

Sunday’s WER Legacy Cup Final didn’t just crown a champion. It marked the end of one era and the bold beginning of another.

In front of a large and enthusiastic crowd at TCO Stadium in Eagan, Minnesota, the Denver Onyx capped a dominant season with a 53 to 13 win over the New York Exiles to claim the first-ever championship in the U.S. professional women’s rugby era.

The Onyx, who went 9 and 1 in regular season play, entered the match as the top seed and finished the job with a clinical second-half performance that overwhelmed the Exiles.

“We really hit the ground running, coming off the experience and continuity the Gray Wolves had,” said Nick Donnelly, Denver’s general manager. “They laid the foundation early on, and it really showed on the field.”

New York pushed early and looked dangerous, as they’ve done all season. This is the team that handed Denver their only loss back in Round 11. Misha Green-Yotts, who scored the first try in WER history back on March 22, opened the scoring again in the Legacy Cup Final with a 12th-minute strike. It was a fitting bookend to a landmark season.

But Denver wasted little time in responding. Kapoina Bailey got them on the board in the 19th minute, and Carly Waters followed just four minutes later. By the end of the half, Nana Fa’avesi had crossed twice, in the 37th and 41st minutes, giving the Onyx control going into halftime.

New York stayed within reach. The Exiles trailed 24 to 13 at the break and looked like they still had a shot. This was the only team to beat Denver during the regular season, back in Round 11. Their determination showed, but Denver’s experience and depth began to take over.

“We were trying to overplay a little bit too much in that first half,” said Onyx head coach Sarah Chobot. “Then in the second half, we got back to business and our defense started to look like it normally does.”

The momentum shifted quickly. Rachel Ehrecke added another try in the 45th minute. Then Alessandra Bender and Haillie Taufoou dotted down in the 48th and 58th minutes, stretching the lead. McKenzie Hawkins closed it out with a final try in the 83rd minute. She also kicked four conversions, joined by Alessandra Bender and Kristin Bitter on kicking duties.

Flanker Tahlia Brody was named Championship MVP. Her relentless effort on both sides of the ball anchored the Onyx defense and helped tilt the game in Denver’s favor.

“We really hit the ground running, coming off the experience and continuity the Gray Wolves had,” said Nick Donnelly, Denver’s general manager. “They laid the foundation early on, and it really showed on the field.”

That foundation came from last year’s WPL Championship, where many of these same players lifted a trophy wearing Colorado Gray Wolves jerseys. Now, they’ve done it again with Denver Onyx, continuing the tradition of excellence.

There was more to celebrate beyond the scoreboard.

The Kathy Flores Heart of the WPL Award was presented to Sarah “Sharkie” Harkness, longtime manager of the Boston Banshees. The award honors a member of the WPL community who exemplifies the legacy of Kathy Flores, a trailblazer, coach, and key founder of the league. Sharkie’s decades of dedication made her a natural choice.

This first season of WER was about more than six teams and one trophy. It was a long-overdue investment in American women’s rugby. President Dr. Jessica Hammond-Graf emphasized that the goal is to build a strong domestic presence ahead of the 2033 Rugby World Cup in the United States.

For now, the final word belongs to the players. They built this league on the backs of WPL seasons, national team caps, red-eye flights, and years of effort with little reward.

“Now they’ve won the league, and they can grow this into something that can really change the landscape of American rugby,” said Donnelly. “For those who follow rugby in this country, it’s reaffirmation that Denver is the beating heart of rugby in the U.S.”

From Gray Wolves to Onyx. From pay-to-play to pro contracts. From the Rockies to the Legacy Cup. Denver’s women have raised the bar again. And this is just the beginning.