Woods Sisters Named to USA Eagles Roster for 2026 Pacific Four Series
4/8/2026 12:00:00 PM | Women's Rugby
Fairfield, Conn. – Woods sisters make the US National roster for the PAC4 tour starting on April 11.
Fairfield, Conn. – Woods sisters make the US National roster for the PAC4 tour starting on April 11.
A dream years in the making became reality for sisters Reece and Olivia Woods, who were officially named to the USA Women's Eagles roster for the 2026 Pacific Four Series.
The Sacred Heart standouts, who have grown through the same rugby journey side-by-side since their early days in Idaho, now take the next step together on the international stage. Both players were selected as part of a 32-player squad that signals a new era for the Eagles, blending experienced veterans with emerging young talent.
For the Woods twins, the moment represents more than just a roster spot, it's the continuation of a shared path. From competing together in high school to representing the United States at the U20 and U23 levels, their development has been defined by consistency, chemistry, and a relentless climb through the national pipeline.
Now, that journey reaches its biggest stage yet.
"This opportunity honestly means so much to me. Getting to train at such an intense level is already pushing me to grow, but what makes it even more special is being able to play alongside and learn from people I've looked up to in the game," said Reece Woods. "It's amazing to see how much the environment you're in can elevate the way you play. Being around seasoned professionals who carry themselves with so much confidence and grace, and who hold themselves to such a high standard, is really inspiring and has shown me what it takes to compete at this level. I'm so excited for everything the rest of this month has in store, and I can't wait to come back home and share what I've learned with my rugby community."
"My goal for this next month is to really soak in every moment and learn as much as I possibly can," Reece added. "Enjoying the process is a huge part of this experience for me. I'm excited to discover where I can grow and what areas of my game I need to improve to compete at this level. At the same time, I just want to have fun and fully appreciate how unique this opportunity is. It's such an incredible feeling to see the payoff from all the hard work, time, and dedication I've put into the sport I love."
"Getting selected for PAC4 is a surreal experience," said Olivia Woods. "Being in an environment like this really shows what the highest level of rugby looks like day to day. The athletes here set the standard with how they train, compete, and carry themselves. Hearing about their journeys and what it took to get here is really inspiring."
"What stands out most is the environment. It is challenging both physically and mentally, but also creates a space to grow and learn from each other," Olivia continued. "Being around players who have competed at the highest level puts things into perspective and shows that these goals are achievable when you are truly dedicated to the process."
"This opportunity really comes down to learning from the people around you," she added. "Whether it is on the pitch, in the gym, or outside of rugby, there is always something to take away from how others prepare and approach the game. Experiences like this help build better players, but also better teammates and leaders. It is my hope that after this month I can bring what I have learned back home and share it with others."
The Pacific Four Series, set to run from April 11–25, features top international competition and will serve as the first major test under new head coach Jack Hanratty as the program enters a fresh Rugby World Cup cycle.
With several veteran players unavailable, opportunities have opened for the next generation—and the Woods twins have seized theirs.
"This opportunity for Olivia and Reece has been long in the making," said head coach Reed. "As a tight head prop, Olivia has been an anchor in our scrum. She dominates her position, setting up the scrum for success. She is also a threat with ball in hand and creates holes in the defense with her dominant attack. Reece brings continuity and calm to the scrum as a loose head prop. Her impact on attack can be seen immediately as she draws in the defense while gracefully offloading to a support runner. She also brings a punch to the defense with her bone chilling tackles."
"Olivia and Reece know their roles on the field and excel at them in a humble and confident manner," Reed continued. "They both are dedicated to improving not only as rugby players but as leaders. I believe it's not just their physical dominance on the pitch that led them to winning a roster spot for the PAC4 tournament but how they inspire others around them to be the best versions of themselves."
"I am proud of them both no matter if they receive their first cap or not. This is a huge moment for Olivia and Reece to learn and experience rugby at the top level," Reed added. "I look forward to hearing about their experience and implementing any new ideas they may have upon their return."
As the Eagles prepare to take on some of the world's best on home soil, Reece and Olivia Woods won't just represent Sacred Heart, they'll represent a shared dream, years in the making, now realized on rugby's biggest stage.
