USA international Alycia Washington has taken the Allianz Premier 15s by storm since making her summer switch to Warriors Women.
The dynamic second-row, 30, marked her Warriors debut with a try on the opening weekend of the campaign as the Sixways outfit secured a memorable 29-24 victory at Sale Sharks.
A week later, Washington was on the scoresheet again – helping her new side pick up a losing bonus-point at home to reigning Premier 15s champions Harlequins.
Setting her sights on being selected for USA when they take on England at Sixways Stadium on Sunday 21 November, the Connecticut-born forward is relishing the prospect of international women’s rugby coming to the home of Worcester Warriors.
“I’m really hoping to be part of the USA squad for the game at Sixways and the Premier 15s has really helped my preparation,” said Washington as she sipped on a cappuccino in Wayland’s Yard.
“There’s around 13 of us from USA all playing in the Premier 15s and we’re all here with the goal to be the best in the world.
“As a country, we’ll certainly see where we are this autumn and then it will be all eyes on the World Cup, which is only a year away.”
Washington earned her first international cap against the Red Roses in 2015 and has been at the centre of women’s rugby in the States for the past decade, playing in three Super Series against the likes of France, New Zealand, England and Canada.
Explaining her move to play in what she describes as ‘the best league in the world,’ Washington reveals that Jo Yapp as Director of Rugby of Warriors Women was a big factor in her decision to board a plane and cross the pond.
“Jo is incredible, and she is a legend within English rugby,” she said.
“Her coaching style is superb and when she starts talking, everyone listens to her. When she says that she’s happy with something, you know that she means it and when she’s disappointed, you know that you need to do better.
“I always know that Jo is going to be honest me and tell me what I need to get done – she really puts a family perspective into the game too.
“She really cares about us as people and not just as rugby players, and I couldn’t have asked for a better Director of Rugby to work under while I’m here in England.”
Yapp, who captained England during her illustrious international career which saw her rack up 70 caps, was appointed Barbarian Women Head Coach last week.
“The Barbarians are lucky to have her as their Head Coach,” added Washington, who was keen to explain how her move to Warriors came about.
“I initially had a conversation with USA coach Rob Cain about wanting to play over here and he said to make it a goal for myself in preparation for next year’s World Cup.
“I had already started talks with Jo Yapp after having her as a coach when I played for the Barbarians in 2019, and just knowing what she was all about and having enjoyed being coached by her, made it an easy decision for me to make.
“On the plane coming across to the UK there were a few thoughts running through my head, like ‘are my teammates going to like me’ and ‘when will I see my family again.’
“I do take risks in life, especially when it comes to pursuing my rugby dreams. I had been working towards my move to Warriors for quite some time and I’d done a lot of background research around the move from a financial point of view as well as what it would mean for my family.”
A passionate advocate of women’s rugby, having recently joined forces with World Rugby to raise the profile of the game through a digital campaign as well as forming the XV Foundation in America, Washington is proud to be part of an all-improving forward line spearheaded by Forwards Coach Liza Burgess.
The pack has been the cornerstone of everything good about Warriors’ performances so far this season, with the set-piece functioning nicely under the watchful gaze of rugby legend and World Rugby Hall of Famer Burgess.
“Bird [Liza Burgess] is a legend in her own right and she makes sure that all of our training sessions are full of intensity and have a little bit of an edge,” said Washington.
“She also encourages the pack to speak up and give opinions, and she also ensures that we give things an extra umph at the set-piece.
“She’s great and it’s always awesome to have a coach in the same position as yourself.”
Pinpointing fiery back-row Alex Callender as a player who has taken her game to the next level in recent seasons, the American has been impressed with the balance of the pack.
“Alex Callender is definitely a Liza Burgess in the making as she has all the qualities you need to be a world-class flanker,” she said.
“She really complements the quiet, stoic Alex Matthews – AC [Alex Callender] is the ‘spitfire’ of the flankers and she’s something that I need in my game.
“It’s a lot of fun to see AC in action and she’s such an animated character with her teammates, the officials and most importantly our opponents.”