Independence Day falls on a Saturday this year, but the US rugby teams won't be watching fireworks from the sidelines. The men's Eagles kick off in Denver against Portugal in the World Rugby Nations Cup, while the women face South Africa in Johannesburg in what amounts to a holiday doubleheader with major stakes for both programs.
Women's captain Georgie Perris-Redding, who carries dual American-British citizenship, knows the magnitude of the moment. The Sale Sharks flanker was born in Detroit and developed through the Pro Rugby Training Center in Little Rock, Arkansas, a facility that has become crucial to cultivating domestic women's talent.
"We're trying to find a way to get some fireworks," Perris-Redding said of Saturday's clash at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. "Honestly, it's not looking too likely to me right now, but growing the game is what massively drives this group. Being able to do that on such an occasion at Ellis Park is arguably once-in-a-lifetime."
Coach Jack Hanratty's squad will lean on experience. Kate Zackary is on the verge of her 50th cap, a milestone only three American women have reached. Zackary recently captained Ealing Traionfinders in the PWR final before making the trip south, adding another layer to an already significant cap.
"It's funny because 50 is going to become normal soon," Hanratty said, noting that younger players like Bella Vogel and Hann Humphreys could join that exclusive club within five years. "Kate's earned another cap, and hopefully we'll make some arrangements for her to lead the team out."
The women face a stern test. South Africa ranks 10th in the world, two spots ahead of the US at eighth. The Springboks reached the World Cup knockout rounds last year in England, a stage the Americans failed to reach. Hanratty has selected an experienced forward pack for what he expects to be a physical encounter.
Meanwhile, in Denver, men's coach Scott Lawrence has used the holiday weekend to emphasize what wearing the Eagles crest means. The team attended a presentation from Air Force Academy cadets and even participated in competitive flag-folding exercises, all designed to underscore the diversity that defines American rugby.
"The Eagles are, have been and always will be a representation of the diverse nature of our country," Lawrence said. "You look at our team, it looks like any classroom in the United States. You don't see that in a lot of other countries."
The Portugal matchup carries historical weight. The Portuguese knocked the US out of World Cup qualification in 2023 after a draw in Dubai, and they've only strengthened since then by winning the Rugby Europe Championship. Most of their squad plays domestically for Lusitanos in the Rugby Europe Super Cup, creating a cohesive unit with momentum.
Lawrence's roster, conversely, is scattered across Major League Rugby and European professional leagues. The domestic competition has contracted dramatically after its six-team season concluded, and Anthem RC, the sole MLR franchise dedicated to developing American talent, is set to fold after three seasons. The coach can count on Europe-based professionals like loosehead prop Jack Iscaro at Stade Francais in the Top 14, though fly-half AJ MacGinty remains sidelined with injury.
Young back Perry Mayo, who plays for Nevers in France's second tier, adds European flair to the Eagles backline. Lawrence values his versatility and different approach to the game.
"He's got X Factor," Lawrence said of Mayo. "The French, they play differently. It's always good to have another left foot in the back line in terms of the kicking game."
July has historically been the Eagles' toughest month, sandwiched between European seasons and testing the team's foundation. Lawrence sees this weekend as essential groundwork.
"You got to do the big rocks first," he said. "You have to know your set piece, you have to know your kicking game. Those game-defining things are really the basics of the game. And then you have to trust the talent."
Both matches air on Paramount+ in the United States.
Author James Rodriguez: "The Americans have real talent, but playing scattered across two continents while facing organized, hungry opponents on the Fourth of July isn't exactly a recipe for success."
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