Bay Breakers Kick Off Season 2 of Women’s Elite Rugby this May
Breakers Open Second Campaign with Home Opener on May 3
SACRAMENTO, CA – The Bay Breakers return for the 2026 Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) season, continuing their run in the first professional women’s rugby league in the United States. The Breakers will open their campaign on Sunday, May 3 at 4:00 PDT at home against the Denver Onyx.
Led by Head Coach Hannah Stolba, the Breakers enter their second WER season ready to get back in action. Hope Cooper returns after being named to the Eagles squad for the 2025 RWC and Monalisa Tupou and Omi Carillo return as last year's top try scorers (5) for the Breakers.
Fans are invited to experience Breakers rugby all season long at Heart Health Park in Sacramento. Tickets can be purchased HERE.
The 2026 Bay Breakers roster (featuring 19 returning players) is as follows:
Abby Vogel, Ari Jurkowski, Celine Aiga Liulamaga, Elena Edwards, Falalauola Amanoni, Hope Cooper, Jade-Alexandra McGrath, Joana Marrese, Laura Bocek, Laura Thacker, May Hirano Lauritzen, Mariah Overby, Miriama Marawa, Monalisa Tupou, Nikki Lynch, Nyah Cordero, Olivia Bernadel-Huey, Omi Carrillo, Paris Hart, Roseline Okpara, Roxelle Thomas, Venaiah Mamea, Shelby Lin, Sophie Lamphier, Taina Tukuafu
Upcoming Bay Breakers Tempest Games:
Home Games (Heart Health Park – Sacramento, CA)
May 3, 2026 – Bay Breakers vs. Denver Onyx, 4:00 PM PDT
May 31, 2026 – Bay Breakers vs. Chicago Tempest , 5:00 PM PDT
June 21, 2026 – Bay Breakers vs Boston Banshees, 5:00PM PDT
July 18, 2026 – Bay Breakers vs. New York Exiles, 5:00 PM PDT
July 26, 2026 – Bay Breakers vs TC Gemini , 6:00PM PDT
Away Games
May 9, 2026 – at New York Exiles, 5:00 PM EDT
May 17, 2026 – at TC Gemini, 5:00 PM CDT
June 7, 2026 – at Boston Banshees, 6:00 PM EDT
June 14, 2026 – at Chicago Tempesti, 5:00 PM CDT
July 12, 2026 – at Denver Onyx, 5:00 PM MDT
Media Access:
If you are looking to cover games and attend practices throughout the season, please fill out a media credential form HERE. For the latest news and update, follow WER on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About WERWomen’s Elite Rugby (WER) is redefining the future of the sport in the United States as the first professional women’s rugby league. Officially launched in 2024, WER’s inaugural season kicked off in March 2025 with six founding teams across Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York, Northern California, and the Twin Cities, featuring 180 of the world’s top athletes. Built on the competitive legacy of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), WER evolves the game from amateur roots into a professional stage built for longevity, unlocking new opportunities for athletes, partners, and fans. With a focus on elite competition, commercial growth, and cultural relevance, WER is ushering in the next stage of rugby in the United States. For further information visit: https://www.womenseliterugby.us/.