A list of all fixtures/results from the 2nd season of Women’s Elite Rugby (WER). The season kicked off on 2nd May, 2026 and running through to July 2026 with the playoffs in early August, 2026.
Season: WER 2026
The 2nd season of Women’s Elite Rugby, the highest tier of Women’s Rugby in North America. This 2nd season kicked off on 2nd May, 2026 and ran through to July, with playoffs scheduled for August 2026.
2026 WER Standings
This table shows the standings for the 2nd season of Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) in 2026, played from May to July, 2026.
The season kicked off on May 2nd, 2026 with the New York Exiles travelling to Massachusetts to face the Boston Banshees at Veterans’ Memorial Stadium in Quincy. The 2026 WER Standings are determined by standard rugby standings rules. 4pts for a win, 2 for a draw, and 0 for a loss, with the chance to each bonus points for 4 tries scored, or by losing within 7pts.
Twin Cities Gemini
Background & History
The Twin Cities Gemini, also known as TC Gemini, are a founding member of Women’s Elite Rugby (WER), based in the twin cities of Minneapolis-Saint Paul. Following the announcement of WER in April 2024, the TC Gemini team name and branding was announced in January 2025 alongside the other 5 founding WER teams. In addition to the name and logo, the Gemini announced their ‘Foundational Five’, a group of 5 players that made up the team’s first signings. The Foundational Five for the TC Gemini can be found below.
Evolving from the Twin Cities Amazons of the WPL, the Gemini played their first professional game on 23rd March, 2025 against the Chicago Tempest. The TC Gemini had an up and down inaugural WER season, but did pick up a handful of victories. They finished with a 3-7 record and out on their own in 5th place with 17pts, 15pts ahead of 6th but 13pts back of 4th. Now that they have a base, the Gemini will want to pick up an extra win or two in 2026 to compete with the pack.
Foundational Five
records & Record Holders
2025 Legacy Cup Runners-Up
All-Time:
Top Scorer: Kailynn Hampton / Natayah Bauer (25pts)
Top Try Scorer: Kailynn Hampton (5)
Most Appearances: Kailynn Hampton, Ciara Clawson, Brogan Mior, Serena Liu, Lucy Leatherman, Katrina Nunes, Trinity Todd, Emilee Jalosuo (10)
Most Starts: Kailynn Hampton, Brogan Mior, Trinity Todd (10)
Single Season:
Top Scorer: Kailynn Hampton / Natayah Bauer (25pts – 2025)
Top Try Scorer: Kailynn Hampton (5 – 2025)
Historical Performance
2025: 3-7 (-166) – 17pts: 5th
Overall Regular Season Record: 3-7
Overall Legacy Cup Record: N/A
Legacy Cup Appearances: 0
Head Coach & Captain
Head Coach:
- Sylvia Braaten (2025)
Captain:
- Brogan Mior (2025)
Logo
All of the WER logos and branding for the league’s inaugural season were co-designed by the league and British advertising agency MATTA, and were unveiled in January 2025. The Twin Cities Gemini logo refers to the zodiac sign of the twins which, like everything about the Gemini’s branding, is two-headed. Firstly, it mimics the way that the mighty Mississippi river flows through Minnesota, while also a nod Minneapolis and Saint Paul, the twin cities from which the team takes their name. This logo excellently compliments the Gemini’s home, while their play on the field will strive to be quick to strike, and tricky to catch.
VEnue
The Twin Cities Gemini play their home games at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center, better known as TCO Stadium. This 6,000 seater artificial turf stadium is the practice facility of the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings, and is located within their headquarters in Eagan, MN just to the south of Saint Paul. TCO Stadium was the host venue of the inaugural Legacy Cup in 2025, won by the Denver Onyx.
New York Exiles
Background & History
The New York Exiles are a founding member of Women’s Elite Rugby (WER), based in New York City, New York. Following the announcement of WER in April 2024, the New York Exiles team name and branding was announced in January 2025 alongside the other 5 founding WER teams. In addition to the name and logo, the New York Exiles announced their ‘Foundational Five’, a group of 5 players that made up the team’s first signings. The Foundational Five for the New York Exiles can be found below.
Born from the New York Rugby Club of the WPL, the New York Exiles played in the very first WER game, facing the Boston Banshees on 22nd March, 2025. The Exiles enjoyed a competitive inaugural season, finishing with a 6-4 record and 33pts, putting them 2nd place by a single point thanks to a bonus point victory over the Chicago Tempest in their final game of the regular season. This victory clinched a spot for the Exiles to compete for the WER Legacy Cup against the Denver Onyx. Although the Exiles got out to a 0-10 lead early, the dominant Denver Onyx rallied to blow New York away. The Exiles finished as Runners-Up in WER’s inaugural season, and have already had a taste of the final.
Foundational Five
records & Record Holders
2025 Legacy Cup Runners-Up
All-Time:
Top Scorer: Jetta Owens (72pts)
Top Try Scorer: Scout Cheeks (7)
Most Appearances: Scout Cheeks, Misha Green-Yotts, Jetta Owens, Sophie Frick, Daisy Titus, Sarah Minahan, Cari Pick, Emily Brower (11)
Most Starts: Misha Green-Yotts, Jetta Owens, Sophie Frick (11)
Single Season:
Top Scorer: Jetta Owens (72pts – 2025)
Top Try Scorer: Scout Cheeks (7 – 2025)
Historical Performance
2025: 6-4 (-3) – 33pts: 2nd (Legacy Cup Runners-Up)
Overall Regular Season Record: 6-4
Overall Legacy Cup Record: 0-1
Legacy Cup Appearances: 1 (2025)
Head Coach & Captain
Head Coach:
- Diego Maquiera (2025)
Captain:
- Misha Green-Yotts (2025)
Logo
All of the WER logos and branding for the league’s inaugural season were co-designed by the league and British advertising agency MATTA. They were unveiled in January 2025. The New York Exiles logo plays on the Statue of Liberty’s nickname as the ‘Mother of Exiles’, with New York being a new start for many exiles from elsewhere in the world. The crest features a trio of hooded heroes, both playing on New York’s reputation as the home of heroes, as well as the journey to a new life in the new world. The use of the ‘liberty and shadow teal’ help to tie this logo to the Statue of Liberty further, and features Lady Liberty’s torch at the bottom. The Exiles are a new start to those exiled from main stream sport.
VEnue
The New York Exiles home venue is the 3,900 seater Mount Vernon Memorial Field in Westchester County, NY. The field is the home of Mount Vernon High School and also used by the Monroe University Mustangs football team, and Westchester Soccer Club of the USL League One. Mount Vernon Memorial Field was also home to the Rugby New York Ironworkers of Major League Rugby during their final season in 2023, so already has a rugby history.
Denver Onyx
Background & History
The Denver Onyx are a founding member of Women’s Elite Rugby (WER), based in the Glendale in Denver, Colorado. Following the announcement of WER in April 2024, the Denver Onyx team name and logo were announced in January 2025 alongside the other 5 founding WER teams. In addition to the name and logo, the Denver Onyx announced their ‘Foundational Five’, a group of 5 players that made up the team’s first signings. The Foundational Five for the Denver Onyx can be found below.
Evolving out of the Colorado Gray Wolves of the WPL, the Denver Onyx played their first ever professional game on 29th March, 2025 against the Bay Breakers, a 63-7 victory that would set the standard for their 2025 season. The Onyx dominated WER’s inaugural year and would have finished undefeated if not for one slip up late in the season. They finished 1st with a 9-1 record and 46 of a possible 50pts in the standings, 13pts ahead of 2nd place to secure their chance to compete for the first ever WER Legacy Cup. Facing the New York Exiles in the final, the Onyx went down 0-10 early before roaring back, recovering to a 24-13 lead at halftime and finishing with a 40pt, 53-13 victory to claim the Legacy Cup and be crowned the inaugural WER Champions!
Foundational Five
records & Record Holders
2025 Legacy Cup Champions
All-Time:
Top Scorer: Mckenzie Hawkins (60pts)
Top Try Scorer: KB Slaughter / Erica Coulibaly (8)
Most Appearances: KB Slaughter, Gianna Solomon, Carly Waters, Julie Tordonato, Amy Spafford (11)
Most Starts: Julie Tordonato (11)
Single Season:
Top Scorer: Mckenzie Hawkins (60pts – 2025)
Top Try Scorer: KB Slaughter / Erica Coulibaly (8 – 2025)
Historical Performance
2025: 9-1 (+367) – 46pts: 1st (Legacy Cup Champions)
Overall Regular Season Record: 9-1
Overall Legacy Cup Record: 1-0
Legacy Cup Appearances: 1 (2025)
Head Coach & Captain
Head Coach:
- Sarah Chobot (2025)
Captain:
- Rachel Johnson (2025)
Logo
All of the WER logos and branding for the league’s inaugural season were co-designed by the league and British advertising agency MATTA. They were unveiled in January 2025. The Onyx logo is tied to Denver and Colorado’s mining history, taking their name from the Colorado rose onyx that is ‘featured in the foundation of the Colorado state capitol building and known for its colours that reflect a Colorado sunset’. The crest features gemstones of black onyx (also mined in Colorado) in contracting black and pink, with a subtle mountain at it’s base.
VEnue
The Denver Onyx played their home games at Infinity Park in Glendale, Colorado, an enclave within Denver that has been known as Rugbytown USA in the past. This 5,000 seater grass stadium was the home of the Raptors, who competed in Major league Rugby as the Glendale/Colorado Raptors from 2018-2020, and in Super Rugby Americas as the American Raptors from 2023-2024. Denver Onyx Head Coach Sarah Chobot served as Head Coach of the American Raptors from 2023-24, so is already familiar with Infinity Park.
Chicago Tempest
Background & History
The Chicago Tempest are a founding member of Women’s Elite Rugby (WER), based in the Chicago, Illinois. Following the announcement of WER in April 2024, the Chicago Tempest team name and logo were announced in January 2025 alongside the other 5 founding WER teams. In addition to the name and logo, the Chicago Tempest announced their ‘Foundational Five’, a group of 5 players that made up the team’s first signings. The Foundational Five for the Chicago Tempest can be found below.
Building on the foundation of the WPL’s Chicago North Shore, The Tempest played their first ever professional game on 23rd March, 2025 against their Midwest rivals, the TC Gemini. The Tempest struggled during WER’s inaugural season, which was not helped when head coach Bryan Colbridge stepped down for personal reasons just 1 month into the season. Despite coming close a number of times, they finished the campaign in 6th place with a winless 0-10 record and only 2pts in the standings, 15pts behind the 5th placed TC Gemini. They will no doubt be dreaming of that first team win early in 2026.
Foundational Five
records & Record Holders
All-Time:
Top Scorer: Isla Alejandro (30pts)
Top Try Scorer: Isla Alejandro (6)
Most Appearances: Isla Alejandro, MarCaya Bailous, Kadie Sanford, Katie Lamont, Adriana Mendoza Silva (10)
Most Starts: Isla Alejandro, Kadie Sanford, Katie Lamont, Adriana Mendoza Silva (10)
Single Season:
Top Scorer: Isla Alejandro (30pts – 2025)
Top Try Scorer: Isla Alejandro (6 – 2025)
Historical Performance
2025: 0-10 (-325) – 2pts: 6th
Overall Regular Season Record: 0-10
Overall Legacy Cup Record: N/A
Legacy Cup Appearances: 0
Head Coach & Captain
Head Coach:
- Bryan Colbridge (March-April 2025)
- Kristin Zdanzewicz (2025)
Captain:
- Ilene Andrade (2025)
Logo
All of the WER logos and branding for the league’s inaugural season were co-designed by the league and British advertising agency MATTA. They were unveiled in January 2025. The Chicago Tempest logo ties in the extreme weather of the ‘Windy City’, with a crest featuring a storm circling the iconic Willis Tower as lighting strikes the antennae. The logo fits well for a midwestern team while also paying homage to the city of Chicago, and predicts the oncoming storm on the field.
VEnue
For their inaugural season, the Chicago Tempest played their home games at the 12,000 seat Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium within the campus of Northwestern University in Chicago, IL. They shared this grass stadium with the Northwestern Wildcats NCAA lacrosse, men’s & women’s soccer, and football teams. Following the inaugural 2025 campaign, the Tempest relocated to the village of Lisle between Chicago and Naperville, and played out of the Benedictine University Sports Complex, which boasted a 3,000 seater artificial surface. A more appropriatly sized stadium for the fledgling WER franchise.
Boston Banshees
Background & History
The Boston Banshees are a founding member of Women’s Elite Rugby (WER), based in New England. Following the announcement of WER in April 2024, the Boston Banshees team name and logo were announced in January 2025 alongside the other 5 founding WER teams. In addition to the name and logo, the Boston Banshees announced their ‘Foundational Five’, a group of 5 players that made up the team’s first signings. The Foundational Five for the Boston Banshees can be found below.
An evolution of Beantown RFC of the WPL, the Boston Banshees played in WER’s first ever game on 22nd March, 2025 against the New York Exiles at Mount Vernon Memorial Stadium. They finished WER’s inaugural season in 4th place with a record of 6-4, missing out on the chance to compete for the Legacy Cup by just a couple of points.
Foundational Five
records & Record Holders
All-Time:
Top Scorer: Yeja Dunn (60pts)
Top Try Scorer: Yeja Dunn (12)
Most Appearances: Yeja Dunn, Rachael Harkavy, Caitlin Weigel, Natalie Armatage, Emma Santosuosso, Gen Quirion (10)
Most Starts: Yeja Dunn, Emma Santosuosso, Gen Quirion (10)
Single Season:
Top Scorer: Yeja Dunn (60pts – 2025)
Top Try Scorer: Yeja Dunn (12 – 2025)
Historical Performance
2025: 6-4 (+79) – 30pts: 4th
Overall Regular Season Record: 6-4
Overall Legacy Cup Record: N/A
Legacy Cup Appearances: 0
Head Coach & Captain
Head Coach:
- Kittery Wagner-Ruiz (2025)
Captain:
- Jenny Kronish (2025)
Logo
All of the WER logos and branding for the league’s inaugural season were co-designed by the league and British advertising agency MATTA. The Boston Banshees logo ties in with New England’s relationship with witches and folklore, depicting a wailing banshee under a crescent moon. The Banshee is an excellent fit for a Women’s team in New England, tying in with local customs and culture while symbolising an unstoppable female force that the Banshees hope to be on the field.
VEnue
The Boston Banshees played the majority of their home games out of Veteran’s Memorial Stadium in Quincy, MA, just south of Boston. This is also the venue of 3x Major League Rugby Champions, the New England Free Jacks, cementing the culture of rugby in the area. The Banshees also played a number of their home games at Centreville Bank Stadium in Rhode Island just northeast of Providence. In keeping with the venue links to MLR, Centreville Bank Stadium was the venue for the 2025 MLR Championship game in June 2025.
Bay Breakers
Background & History
The Bay Breakers are a founding member of Women’s Elite Rugby (WER), based in the San Francisco Bay Area in California. Following the announcement of WER in April 2024, the Bay Breakers team name and logo were announced in January 2025 alongside the other 5 founding WER teams. In addition to the name and logo, the Bay Breakers announced their ‘Foundational Five’, a group of 5 players that made up the team’s first signings. The Foundational Five for the Bay Breakers can be found below.
Evolving from the Berkeley All-Blues and to a lesser extent the Life West Gladiatrix of the WPL, the Bay Breakers competed in the inaugural WER season in 2025. The Breakers played their first ever game on March 29, 2025 against the Denver Onyx. The Breakers finished 3rd in WER’s inaugural season with a 6-4 record and 32pts, missing out on the chance to compete for the WER Legacy Cup by a single point on the final day of competition.
Foundational Five
records & Record Holders
All-Time:
Top Scorer: Eden Kilgour (35pts)
Top Try Scorer: Eden Kilgour (7)
Most Appearances: Abby Vogel, Shelby Lin, Elena Edwards, Roxelle Thomas (10)
Most Starts: Roxelle Thomas (9)
Single Season:
Top Scorer: Eden Kilgour (35pts – 2025)
Top Try Scorer: Eden Kilgour (7 – 2025)
Historical Performance
2025: 6-4 (+48) – 32pts: 3rd
Overall Regular Season Record: 6-4
Overall Legacy Cup Record: N/A
Legacy Cup Appearances: 0
Head Coach & Captain
Head Coach:
- Hannah Stolba (2025)
Captain:
- Roxelle Thomas / Jade McGrath (2025)
Logo
All of the WER logos and branding for the league’s inaugural season were co-designed by the league and British advertising agency MATTA. The Bay Breakers’ crest features a breaking wave and a trident at the top with a ‘Sunset Purple’ California sun. The wave ties the logo to the Bay Area, representing the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean and the ‘power and unpredictability of ocean waves’.
VEnue
During their inaugural season, the Bay Breakers played their home games to the northeast of San Francisco at the Grape Bowl in Lodi, California. The 3,500 seater synthetic turf field was the venue of a postseason college football game that shares the stadium name from 1947-48. While attendance to these games was over 10,000, the capacity of the stadium has been reduced in the nearly 80 years since then. The Bay Breakers shared this venue with the Lodi High School Football Team. For the 2nd season of WER in 2026, the Bay Breakers moved from Lodi to Sacramento, playing out of Heart Health Park on the grounds of Cal Expo. This soccer-specific stadium boasts a capacity of just over 11,500 and was the home of the short-lived PRO Rugby franchise the Sacramento Express in 2016. It has hosted a number of international test matches including the USA Men’s 2025 Pacific Nations Cup clash with Japan, and will be the venue of a Major League Rugby game in 2026 when the California Legion face Old Glory DC on 24th May, 2026.
