SÃO PAULO, Brazil – Three Sacred Heart University women's rugby players represented the United States for the USA Falcons in a two-game series against the Brazil women's national 15s team at the start of June. 

Recent Sacred Heart graduate Alyssa Cunningham and soon-to-be juniors Olivia Woods and Reece Woods donned the stars and stripes for USA Falcons in São Paulo. Cunningham, who was named a captain before the event, played flyhalf, while both Woods sisters saw time as props. Cunningham was one of five players who had graduated in the spring of 2025 and joined the Women's Elite Rugby (WER) midway through the pro season. 

The Falcons took the first match on June 1, with Cunningham kicking two conversions in a 29-26 win. Brazil took the June 7 match 15-14. Cunningham again made an impact by converting on the team's two tries. 

USA and Brazil split a pair of single-digit contests. These matches will serve as a tune-up for the team before the Rugby World Cup 2025. 

All three players raved about their experiences in Brazil. 

Alyssa Cunningham:
"Brazil was an incredible experience! It was fun stepping on the pitch with several capped USA Eagles, but it was also a challenge adjusting to the pace and physicality of playing against the Brazilian national team. It was good to test myself at this level. Off the field, we got a taste of the culture in Sao Paolo when we weren't training, and we socialized with the Brazilian national team after the second game. It was a great way to finish our tour in Brazil! Overall, it was a great experience and lots of learning!"

Reece Woods:
"Brazil was an amazing experience. Getting the opportunity to play with the USA Falcons and wear that jersey is something I am always proud to do. As a young athlete, being able to learn from different coaches and players—each with their own style and perspective—was huge for my growth. One of the best parts of the trip was getting to meet so many amazing people in the rugby community and learn from them. Playing rugby in another part of the world, soaking in a new culture, and doing what I love—it doesn't get much better than that. I'm excited for this upcoming year and can't wait to bring everything I've learned back to my team. Hopefully, I can pass on some of that energy, insight, and love for the game."

Olivia Woods:
"Getting the chance to play in São Paulo, Brazil, with the USA Falcons was an incredible experience. Every tour adds something new to my rugby journey, but this one was truly special. The coaches and players brought a wealth of knowledge and support, and the way our team came together in just two weeks was truly amazing to be a part of. What made it even more meaningful was that it wasn't just about rugby. We also had the opportunity to connect with the community and give back through outreach, offering experiences and support to people who might not otherwise have those opportunities. That part of the tour reminded me how much bigger this sport can be. Experiences like this give me a real glimpse of what it might be like to represent the USA as an Eagle one day. It's eye-opening and incredibly motivating."