Who is returning to play for the U.S. rugby teams in Paris?
The U.S. women’s team revealed its 12-team roster, with the addition of two traveling reserves, on June 17. The team includes a mix of new and veteran Olympians, such as captains Lauren Doyle and Naya Tapper and TikTok sensation Ilona Maher. The full roster can be seen below.
- Alena Olsen (Scrumhalf; Caledonia, Michigan)
- Alev Kelter (Center/Prop; Eagle River, Alaska)
- Ariana Ramsey (Wing; King of Prussia, Pennsylvania)
- Ilona Maher (Center/Prop; Burlington, Vermont)
- Kayla Canett (Flyhalf; Fallbrook, California)
- Kristi Kirshe (Hooker/Prop; Franklin, Massachusetts)
- Lauren Doyle (Flyhalf; Boody, Illinois)
- Naya Tapper (Wing; Charlotte, North Carolina)
- Sammy Sullivan (Prop/Hooker; Fayetteville, North Carolina)
- Sarah Levy (Hooker; San Diego, California)
- Spiff Sedrick (Center; Herriman, Utah)
- Steph Rovetti (Scrumhalf, Reno Nevada)
The two traveling reserves for the women’s team are Nicole Heavirland (Hooker/Scrumhalf; Whitefish, Montana) and Kris Thomas (Hooker/Prop; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania).
The U.S. men’s team revealed its 12-team roster, with the addition of two traveling reserves, on July 1. The team includes a mix of new and veteran Olympians, such as Perry Baker and captain Kevon Williams. The full roster can be seen below.
- Aaron Cummings (Forward; Muskegon, Michigan)
- Maka Unufe (Utility; Provo, Utah)
- Orrin Bizer (Forward; The Woodlands, Texas)
- Matai Leuta (Forward; Monterey, California)
- Marcus Tupuola (Halfback/Center; Carson, California)
- Kevon Williams (Halfback/Wing; Houston, Texas)
- Naima Fuala'au (Halfback; Hayward, California)
- Malacchi Esdale (Wing/Center; Newark, Delaware)
- Stephen Tomasin (Utility; Santa Rosa, California)
- Madison Hughes (Halfback; Lancaster, Massachusetts)
- Perry Baker (Wing; New Smyrna Beach, Florida)
- Lucas Lacamp (Center; Hong Kong, China)
The two traveling reserves for the men’s team are Pita Vi (Center/Wing; Sacramento, California) and Adam Channel (Forward; Long Beach, California).
Who is not competing for the U.S. rugby teams in Paris?
Compared to its 2020 Olympic roster, six players will not return to the Games for the women’s team. Former captain Abby Gustaitis now coaches collegiate rugby, while Cheta Emba, Jordan Matyas, Nia Toliver, Kasey McCravey and Nana Fa’avesi did not get called up to the 2024 Olympic roster.
For the men's team, there will be eight players who are not returning to the Games that were part of the 2020 Olympics roster. Danny Barrett, Martin Iosefo, Folau Niua and Brett Thompson all retired from the sport in the last few years, while Maceo Brown, Carlin Isles, Ben Pinkelman and Joe Schroeder were not called up to the 2024 Games.
Who is playing in their first Olympic rugby matches in Paris?
The U.S. women’s team will have five players competing in their first Olympic Games. Sarah Levy, Alena Olsen, Steph Rovetti, Spiff Sedrick and Sammy Sullivan will make their Olympic debuts in Paris this summer.
There will be four players for the men's team who will make their Olympic debuts in Paris this summer: Aaron Cummings, Orrin Bizer, Marcus Tupuola and Lucas Lacamp.