When the USA Women’s Eagles step onto the pitch at Texas Health Mansfield Stadium on Saturday, October 17th, it will not just be an elite international test match, it will be a historic homecoming.
For 23-year-old wing/center Telesi Uhatafe, the journey to wearing national team colors started right here in the Metroplex. Raised in Euless, Texas, Uhatafe built her reputation as one of the most explosive talents in regional rugby before taking the collegiate game by storm at Southern Nazarene University (SNU).
During her career at SNU, Uhatafe put on dominant performances that made national headlines. This included a single month where she scored an incredible 18 tries (90 points) to push SNU to a #3 national ranking, as well as a legendary 5-try performance in the National Championship game to bring home the title.
Her rapid rise carried her all the way to the international stage, officially earning USA Eagle Number 334 when she made her national team debut against New Zealand in April 2026. Now with 5 caps under her belt, the local star is returning to defend home turf in front of the community that raised her.
“Playing in front of the Texas and Oklahoma rugby communities means everything to me,” says Uhatafe. “This region shaped who I am as a player. Having our local clubs, collegiate teams, and youth programs in the stands in Mansfield gives us an incredible home-field advantage against Italy.”
With less than a month until kickoff, the Texas Rugby Union and USA Rugby invite all local clubs, supporters, and sports fans to pack the stands at Texas Health Mansfield Stadium and cheer on one of our very own.
Matchday Details:
- Matchup: USA Women’s Eagles vs. Italy
- Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
- Location: Texas Health Mansfield Stadium, Mansfield, TX
- Gates Open: 4:00 PM CT
- Kickoff: 5:00 PM CT
Tickets: Discounted community tickets are live now! Use the official Texas Rugby Union portal to score 20% off before matchday gate prices apply.
