For Immediate Release
Submitted by USA Rugby
August 6, 2016
RIO DE JANEIRO – Richie Walker has selected the starting seven for Team USA’s first Rugby Sevens event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Summer Games, a Saturday match-up against Fiji set for a noon ET kickoff.
Led by captain Kelly Griffin, the U.S. will play the fifth match of the Women’s Rugby Sevens competition at Deodoro Stadium in the sport’s first foray in the Olympic Games Program. Saturday’s game can be viewed live on NBC Sports Network in the United States, with the Medal Matches of the three-day competition being aired Monday on CNBC. The full U.S. TV listings can be found on NBCOlympics.com.
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Coincidentally, the starting seven against Fiji will be wearing jersey Nos. 1-7. The inspirational Jillion Potter will line up with her captain and Kathryn Johnson in the forwards, while Bui Baravilala and Alev Kelter will look to set the pacey Lauren Doyle and Victoria Folayan away for several tries in Brazil. In all, the seven hold 96 caps on the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series under their belts.
Arriving before most of Team USA’s competitors at the Games of the XXXI Olympiad, Walker’s squad was one of the first to the Olympic Village. Despite the early arrival, the women’s team was unable to participate in Friday night’s Opening Ceremony due to the start date of the Rugby Sevens competition.
“The team preparation has been good,” Walker said of the team’s build-up week in Rio. “The players have been enjoying the experience but we know that tomorrow is the end of a long journey and, if they go out and enjoy the moment, the team will perform.”
Kickoff for the match against Fiji is scheduled for noon ET. Team USA will play its second match of Pool A play against Colombia at 5 p.m. ET Saturday, as well. Supporters in the United States unable to view the broadcast on television can stream the event online.
Team USA Rugby Sevens Squad | v. Fiji
1. Jillion Potter
2. Kelly Griffin
3. Kathryn Johnson
4. Alev Kelter
5. Bui Baravilala
6. Lauren Doyle
7. Victoria Folayan
8. Carmen Farmer
9. Joanne Fa’avesi
10. Richelle Stephens
11. Ryan Carlyle
12. Jessica Javelet
Team USA Rugby Sevens Squad | Rio 2016 Olympic Summer Games
v. Fiji – Saturday, Aug. 6 @ noon ET – LIVE on NBC Sports Network & online
v. Colombia – Saturday, Aug. 6 @ 5 p.m. ET – LIVE on CNBC & online
v. Australia – Sunday, Aug. 7 @ noon ET – LIVE on USA & online
About USA Rugby
Established in 1975, USA Rugby is the governing body for the sport of rugby in America and a Full Sport Member of the United States Olympic Committee. Currently headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, USA Rugby is charged with developing the game on all levels and has more than 100,000 active members, with more than 35,000 playing collegiate rugby and 35,000 playing senior club rugby. USA Rugby oversees four national teams, multiple collegiate and high school All-American sides, and an emerging Olympic development pathway for elite athletes. It also hosts more than 30 national playoff and championship events each year as a service to its members. In October 2009, the International Olympic Committee announced Rugby Sevens (the seven-a-side version of the game) will appear in the 2016 Olympic Games to be held in Rio de Janeiro. Visit www.usarugby.org for more information.
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Further Information:
Nick Sero | Manager, Communications and Digital Media | USA Rugby | nsero@usarugby.org
