The United States women's rugby team is gearing up to make a significant impact at the Women's Rugby World Cup, with prop Hope Rogers expressing a bold ambition to 'dent' England in their opening match. Rogers, a seasoned player with Exeter Chiefs, believes the USA team has the potential to ascend to the top echelons of the sport.

Rogers' Confidence in USA's Capabilities 'We have that ability to be a top team in the world, and it's just really starting to step into that and own that and embrace it,' Rogers stated in an interview with BBC Sport. Despite a challenging run in the recent Pacific Four Series, where the USA faced defeats against top-ranked teams like New Zealand, Canada, and Australia, Rogers showcased her exceptional skills, notably scoring a hat-trick against Australia.

Historic Context and Team Spirit The USA team, once dominant in the women's rugby scene with a victory in the inaugural World Cup in 1991, is now ranked ninth globally. This tournament marks their first appearance as a fully professional team. Rogers, who is set to participate in her fourth World Cup, emphasized the strong team culture and mutual support, which she believes are pivotal for their success.

Record-Breaking Moments and Personal Goals Rogers, the most-capped player in USA women's rugby history with 53 appearances, recently led her team in front of a record-breaking crowd in Kansas. Reflecting on the experience, she shared, 'It was amazing. You could feel the support and love, I've never felt that in my 12 years of playing for USA.' She also expressed her personal aspirations to redefine the role of a prop and be recognized among the best in the world.

Looking Ahead As the USA prepares to face England in Sunderland, the team is focused on leveraging their professional status and cohesive team dynamics to make a strong statement at the World Cup. Rogers' leadership and performance will be crucial as they aim to translate their potential into victories on the global stage.