THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- The Women’s Eagles have been selected for the opening match against France this Friday, June 7. A contrast in experience between backs and forwards highlights the 23-person roster set out by head coach Pete Steinberg.

While the forwards lineup remains very similar to previous contests against the French, the backline is filled with numerous players whom did not attend last fall’s assembly.

“Selections were based off of allowing people to show us what they can do,” said Steinberg. “These are our first international contests of the year, so we are going to be learning.”

The intent of the lineup and matches is evident for the head coach, saying “the goal is just to know more about the players at the end of the year.”

However, Steinberg noted that the experience level may not be as big of a factor for the newcomers as expected.

“We want to find out what works in the backline,” said Steinberg. “What our backs lack in experience, they more than make up for it with athleticism.”

Shaina Turley will lead the team on the field, getting her first chance to captain the side from the number-eight position.

Sarah Chobot, Kittery Wagner and Jamie Burke bring a wealth of knowledge to the front row. All three are stepping into the same exact roles they held for the match in Stade de France last November.

The start for Burke will mark her 36th cap as a Women’s Eagle.

For the backs, Sevens residents Sadie Anderson and Ryan Carlyle fill two out of the back-three for the contest. Anderson has fullback duties while Carlyle will put her speed to work on the wing.

Joining Carlyle in receiving her first international, Women’s Eagles cap are Molly Kinsella, Megan Bonny, and Erica Cavanaugh. In a similar situation, but coming off the bench for a first cap, are Jessica Davis, Anne Peterson, and Amanda Street.

Jossy Tseng will make her first international appearance since 2007, stepping in at the scrumhalf position. Tseng will be backed by Carrie White at nine, a veteran of the Women’s Eagles European tour.

Kickoff for the June 7 match is set for 5:00 P.M. PT at Oxnard College.

France has claimed the previous two meetings, winning in Orleans and Paris during the Women’s Eagles European Tour last fall. The French won a physical first match 13-0 before winning the final matchup 27-3 at Stade de France.

Currently, both the Women’s Eagles and France are training at Cal Lutheran University in preparation for the matches.

Two more matches are scheduled to follow during France’s tour to the US. June 11 and 14 the sides will meet for additional tests. Oxnard College will play host again for the June 11 contest.

Both matches are set to kickoff at 5:00 P.M. PT.

The concluding match in the series will take place at the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles prior to the Men’s National Team’s Pacific Nations Cup match against Tonga. Universal Sports is slated to air both of the games.

Women's Eagles | vs. France

1. Sarah Chobot

2. Kittery Wagner

3. Jamie Burke

4. Sarah Walsh

5. Molly Kinsella

6. Stacey Bridges

7. Lynelle Kugler

8. Shaina Turley (C)

9. Jossy Tseng

10. Hannah Stolba

11. Ryan Carlyle

12. Megan Bonny

13. Meya Bizer

14. Erica Cavanaugh

15. Sadie Anderson

16. Katy Augustyn

17. Jessica Davis

18. Naima Reddick

19. Kristen Zdancewicz

20. Kate Daley

21. Carrie White

22. Anne Peterson

23. Amanda Street

Submitted by USA Rugby

HOUSTON, Texas – USA Rugby Men’s Eagles Head Coach Mike Tolkin has released the 23-man roster for Saturday’s international test match against Ireland at BBVA Compass Stadium (buy tickets here).

Todd Clever will captain an experienced Eagles side against the ninth-ranked Irish at 7:30 P.M. CT June 8, which includes the likes of international professionals Samu Manoa, Takudzwa Ngwenya, and Chris Wyles. Chris Biller and Mike Petri have also recovered from recent injuries and will return to the starting 15 following the Eagles’ Pacific Nations Cup loss to Canada May 25.

“I think they bring a lot of veteran leadership,” Tolkin said of the returning players. “That’s important. When we were away we had a lot of veterans out. This squad introduces veterans and pros back into the system and they’re great athletes that bring fresh, new energy. They exude confidence and it resonates within the squad.”

Manoa and Ngwenya were recently selected for the Barbarian Football Club for its tour with matches against England and the British and Irish Lions this summer and met up with the Eagles in Houston earlier this week.

“It’s an honor to play with the guys with the Barbos,” Ngwenya said. “But I’m back home, I get to play in Texas, I get to play with the boys again. This is where it all started. I’m just happy to be back with the family.”

The Eagles fell to Ireland in the Pool Stage of the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup in New Zealand and will have 10 players on the roster who were there on September 11, 2011. Seamus Kelly will start at center and Adam Siddall will start the match on the bench, with each player earning his first Eagles cap against Canada.

“In the World Cup you face almost all Tier One nations, so when you face a Tier One nation outside that framework it brings a lot of excitement,” Tolkin said. “It still brings all of the possibilities and challenges of the World Cup. That’s the atmosphere in the group and the psyche of the guys in the squad going into this.

“We have some good players on the bench who normally would’ve started. We feel like we’re getting some good depth. Going into this game we’re going to give a good fight--the guys know what they can do and what they’re capable of.”

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 P.M. CT on Universal Sports. DirecTV customers can watch with the provider’s free preview on channel 625. Follow live updates on Twitter @USARugby and tweet your thoughts with the #USAvIRE hashtag.

Men's Eagles | vs. Ireland
1. Shawn Pittman
2. Chris Biller
3. Eric Fry
4. Brian Doyle
5. Louis Stanfill
6. Samu Manoa
7. Scott LaValla
8. Todd Clever (C) 
9. Mike Petri
10. Toby L'Estrange
11. Takudzwa Ngwenya
12. Andrew Suniula
13. Seamus Kelly
14. Luke Hume
15. Chris Wyles
16. Zach Fenoglio
17. Nick Wallace
18. Phil Thiel
19. Peter Dahl
20. John Quill
21. Robbie Shaw
22. James Paterson
23. Adam Siddall