Our Game-Day Group Chat: What We Were Texting During the WER Legacy Cup
The Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) Legacy Cup Championship game was the talk of the town in the rugby world on June 29th. The fast-paced matchup between two strong-willed teams marked the first-ever WER championship game since the competition began in March 2025 and has officially paved the way for female rugby athletes to play professionally in the United States from here on out.
We absolutely couldn’t wait to watch the Legacy Cup match go down, and here’s what we were saying in our gameday group chat.
“Omg - the uniforms are stunning!”
The New York Exiles and the Denver Onyx wore their best and brightest kits at TCO Stadium as they faced off in the Legacy Cup. The Exiles in their seafoam, statue-of-liberty green, and the Onyx in their vibrant pink representing Colorado’s rose onyx were easy to see on the pitch and made for some awesome and colorful fan outfits.
“Is this rugby or basketball? McKenzie should get on the court, too!”
McKenzie Hawkins’ block in minute five of the game looked straight out of A’ja Wilson’s playbook - to stop a kick across the pitch, she intercepted the ball immediately after it left the Exile kicker’s hands. Although an Exile caught the ball again after Hawkins’ block for the Onyx, she effectively prevented them from chasing their kick down the field and potentially ending up closer to their try zone. If the Las Vegas Aces need a fifth center anytime soon, someone should tell them to give McKenzie Hawkins a call.
“Wait, was that [insert USA Eagle name here]?”
If you found yourself asking if you saw some familiar faces, you weren’t the only one, and chances are, you were right! While the USA Eagles are the national and Olympic team backed by USA Rugby, many Eagles played in the WER’s first season alongside senior players from USA Rugby-affiliated clubs from all over the country. Some notable Eagles playing in the Legacy Cup included McKenzie Hawkins (Onyx), Tess Feury (Exiles), Rachel Johnson (Onyx), Rachel Ehrecke (Onyx), Sarah Corbot (Onyx Coach/Eagles Assistant Coach), and Kristin Bitter (Onyx).
“I CANNOT wait for more of Faith’s TikToks!”
Faith Morely, Prop/Hooker/Flanker/Eight for the New York Exiles, is not only an amazing rugby player - she’s also a super fun presence on social media. She’s just so relatable, and her videos offer great perspectives into a pro-rugby player’s life, some rugby-related jokes, and the Exiles’ love for each other off of the pitch. From relatable videos about getting home from practice and not wanting to cook dinner to hoping for a summer rugby boo, there’s no doubt that Faith can bring a super fun behind-the-scenes element to her Legacy Cup content.
“There are so many fans watching in person - love it!”
The crowd during the match (@rugbyevolved/ Instagram)
The WER was met with some doubts and questions when the concept of a professional women’s league was introduced. Many were concerned with how many Americans would be interested in watching women’s rugby, how the league would sustain itself, and if it was even worth it. As all women’s sports have proven - yes, of course, it’s worth it.
Plenty of WER fans attended the game in support of both teams, with pink ponies in the crowd for the Onyx as a cheeky Chappell Roan reference and signs upon signs for the Exiles; it was clear how much of an impact the WER has made on the U.S. and its appreciation for women’s rugby in just a few months. Seeing young girls watching the cup and being inspired to pursue rugby and be the next generation of WER champions was amazing, and we were thrilled to see such a large crowd at TCO Stadium for the Legacy Cup.
“Alessandra’s pink hair is to die for. I need to try that color!”
Onyx fly-half and Mexican national team player Alessandra Bender Cruz matched the pink Onyx jersey kit with a vibrant pink peekaboo dye. She has also done green to match Mexico’s Pan American Games kit from 2023, and her fun addition of personal flair always hits. What a fun way to show your team spirit!
“Did you just see that try? That was insane!”
Okay, we’ll admit it - we said this more than once. The Exiles and Onyx both play with so much passion that there was bound to be some exciting pushes to the try zone as both teams gave it their all to win the Legacy Cup. One that stood out, in particular, was Misha Green-Yotts’ try in minute twelve of the game, putting the first points up on the scoreboard with a quick-witted push up the sideline. Misha scoring the first try of the first-ever Legacy Cup was sentimental for one specific reason - Misha was also the first ever WER player to score a try in the league’s first game back in March. How full circle is that?
Another great try from Carly Waters, assisted by KB Slaughter and Kennedy Feasby of the Onyx, was a masterclass in effective offloads, supporting your teammates in the ruck, and finishing the play strong!
“Winner winner, chicken dinner! World Cup next?”
The Denver Onyx, nearly undefeated in their first season besides one game against the New York Exiles, clinched the first-ever WER Legacy Cup with a 53-13 score. Both teams put on a fantastic performance in the final match of the WER’s first-ever season, and it only made us twenty times more excited for the WER to kick off again in 2026. The excitement in the States for women’s rugby is undeniable, and we can’t wait to see how many more fans show up for the WER next season.
In the meantime, though, we can all get ready for the Rugby World Cup in August and September, where we’ll probably see some of our favorite WER players make an appearance for national teams all over the globe. Maybe the watch party plans will even make it out of the group chat this time!
The New Zealand Black Ferns won the last Women’s Rugby World Cup after defeating England 34-31. (Fiona Goodall | Getty Images)