Cookie Scores on USA Women’s Eagles Debut at Ellis Park

Cardiff Met student-athlete Elizabeth “Cookie” Cook marked a major milestone in her rugby journey by scoring on her senior international debut for the USA Women’s Eagles at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

Cook, who studies Sport and Exercise Science at Cardiff Metropolitan University, came off the bench for the USA in their opening Test against South Africa as part of the Women’s Eagles’ historic two-Test tour. The match ended in a 34-21 victory for the Springbok Women, but for Cook it was a day that will live long in the memory.

The Cardiff Met forward was named among the USA replacements and entered the match to earn her first senior international cap. She then made an immediate impact, scoring the Eagles’ third try from a close-range pick and go as the USA fought back strongly in the second half.

USA Women’s Eagles Head Coach Jack Hanratty praised the impact of Cook and fellow debutant Ashley Cowdrey after the match.

“Both debutants were excellent today. To play your first cap, and to get a try in Ellis Park, you probably couldn't have written it better; but what I appreciated, was afterwards, I know they were very much appreciative of getting their first cap, but they also were disappointed that we didn't achieve our team goal to win the test match.”

South Africa had built a commanding 29-0 lead at half-time after a physical opening period at Ellis Park. The USA responded after the break through Freda Tafuna, before Cowdrey crossed following a breakaway move. Cook then added the third USA try, with Bella Vogel converting all three second-half scores.

For Cook, the try capped a standout debut on one of rugby’s most recognisable stages. It also continued a period of rapid progression for the Cardiff Met student-athlete, who has previously represented the USA at U20 level and has developed across both the Cardiff Met and USA Rugby environments.

Cook’s appearance and try underline the strength of the Cardiff Met women’s rugby pathway and the opportunities available for student-athletes to develop towards international rugby. Her journey from Cardiff Met to a senior USA debut reflects the growing profile of the programme and the standards being driven across women’s rugby at the University.

The USA Women’s Eagles remain in South Africa for a further week of training before facing the Springbok Women again on Saturday 11 July at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

Everyone at Cardiff Met Sport congratulates Elizabeth on earning her first senior international cap and scoring on debut for the USA Women’s Eagles.