Iona Maher may be dominating headlines in women’s rugby union with her impressive stint at Bristol in England, but the spotlight is also turning toward her home country, the United States. This week, the Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) semi-professional league made another significant stride toward its March debut by unveiling team names, crests, and colors. Katherine Aversano, vice president of the league and a historian of US women’s rugby, emphasized that rugby, its athletes, and its fans are multifaceted, and that the league's six teams represent that diversity. The league's identities are designed to resonate with this complexity while drawing inspiration from the bold and iconic imagery of American sports.

WER's team identities are tied to regions across the country, including the Boston Banshees and New York Exiles representing the East Coast, the Bay Breakers on the West Coast, and the Chicago Tempest, Twin Cities Gemini, and Denver Onyx representing the Upper Midwest, Mountain West, and the Twin Cities, respectively. Each team has been given distinctive colors and crests, with teams like the Boston Banshees showcasing an eerie combination of "Moonlight White" and "Blood-Moon Red," and the Bay Breakers incorporating "Sunset Purple" alongside oceanic blues. These designs are meant to connect each team to its city while also telling a broader, inclusive story that reflects the diverse women who make up the sport. This bold visual language will be part of WER's effort to change the narrative around rugby in the US and inspire new role models.

Iona Maher, who recently earned acclaim for her role in helping the US Eagles secure Olympic sevens bronze, remains a key figure in the sport's growth. Though she may not play in the WER, Maher's influence is widely felt, particularly her message of body inclusion and empowerment for women in rugby. As she strives to secure a spot in the 2025 15-a-side World Cup, her impact extends far beyond the pitch. WER, which aims to build upon the foundation of the Women's Premier League, will rely on athletes like Maher to elevate the sport's visibility and encourage more women to pursue rugby. With upcoming announcements on schedules, tickets, and rosters, the league is gearing up for a promising start, and stakeholders like Deb Henretta believe that the time for women’s rugby in the US is now.