CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Four distinguished Harvard Women's Rugby alumni have earned selection to the 2025 USA Rugby Women's Eagles World Cup roster: Cassidy Bargell '22, Cheta Emba '15, Maya Learned '18, and Erica Jarrell-Searcy '22. The highly anticipated tournament will be held in England, with the United States set to play on August 22, August 30, and September 6. All matches will stream live on Paramount+.
This year's tournament marks a major milestone in the evolution of the women's game. For the first time in history, the Women's Rugby World Cup will feature 16 teams, expanded from the traditional 12, and will be staged across several premier English venues, including the iconic Twickenham Stadium. The U.S. Women's Eagles will look to add to their legacy, which includes winning the inaugural Women's Rugby World Cup in 1991.
Harvard's Crimson Legacy on the World Stage
These four Harvard alumnae continue a proud tradition of excellence, both on and off the field, as they represent the United States on rugby's biggest platform.
Cassidy Bargell '22
First Rugby World Cup Appearance
Former Harvard Women's Rugby Captain
A relentless and crafty scrumhalf, Bargell made her senior international debut for the U.S. against South Africa in March 2024 (XV format). As a Crimson captain, she led Harvard to several deep postseason runs in the NIRA and is now poised to make a strong impression in her first World Cup. Her energy, game awareness, and leadership reflect the high standards she set during her collegiate career.
Erica Jarrell-Searcy '22
2x Rugby World Cup XVs Participant
Former Harvard Women's Rugby Captain
Returning for her second Rugby World Cup, Jarrell-Searcy brings critical experience from the 2021 tournament (played in 2022). A towering and physical second-row forward, she provides a dominant presence in the pack. At Harvard, she was known for her commanding play and was instrumental in anchoring the team's forward momentum throughout her tenure.
Maya Learned '18
2x Rugby World Cup XVs Participant
Former Harvard Women's Rugby Captain
A stalwart in the front row, Learned combines technical strength with international professionalism. Since graduating, she has competed at the professional level in the UK and made her USA debut in a high-profile test match against New Zealand in July 2023. Her consistency at the set piece and around the pitch has made her a reliable fixture for the Eagles.
Cheta Emba '15
2x Rugby World Cup XVs Participant
2x Rugby World Cup 7s Participant
7s Olympian (Tokyo 2020)
Current Harvard Women's Rugby Assistant Coach
A remarkable dual-code athlete, Emba has achieved success in both the sevens and fifteens formats. A veteran of two Rugby World Cups in both formats and an Olympian at Tokyo 2020, she returns to the XVs stage in 2025 with unparalleled experience. Off the pitch, Emba serves as assistant coach for Harvard Women's Rugby, helping to guide and mentor the program's rising stars.
With four alumni on the World Cup roster, Harvard Women's Rugby continues to cement its reputation as a developmental powerhouse within USA Rugby.
