It’s been a memorable year for American flyhalf McKenzie Hawkins.
The 27-year-old has been at the epicenter of the Eagles’ overhaul under Sion Hukopuka since the Australian took over as coach last year.
The Eagles have experienced a tumultuous 2023 following the resignation of coach Rob Cain following the 2021 Rugby World Cup.
‘This energy never stops’ – Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025
‘This energy never stops’ – Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025
Richard Ashfield and Milton Haig each led the team on an interim basis before former Wallaroos assistant Fukofuka was appointed.
The team, which has won three of its nine Test matches in 2024, recorded an impressive 32-25 win over Australia in Melbourne but failed to pick up a point at WXV 1.
But despite these results, there is a renewed sense of confidence in this latest version of the Eagle.
Whether it was a lively first half against England or narrow defeats against France and Ireland, it is clear that the outlook for the World Cup quarter-finalists is different than it was two years ago.
It was a change in attitude that helped Fuko Fuka play an important role in its creation and earned praise from the players in the process.
“I remember our first tour with Sione, a few of our players asked Sione if we should feel this more.” Hawkins said.
“Do you feel like we are working a little too hard? And he said yes. That was the expectation.
“It’s not that we didn’t work hard before Sione, it’s just that we’re much more calculated now.
“We have an expectation of constant hard work and we are now used to that.
“What we see is that hard work is getting better results.
“We are buying because we have seen what he (Fukofuka) and his staff have planned for us come to fruition.
“What was even more notable last year was the belief that we could actually win the game.
“I’d never had that experience in an American uniform before, so it was something new and exciting.
“He came in. We are a thirsty playing group, but now we have the belief that we can go out and win the game.
“That belief makes us even more hungry for 2025 and makes us work harder because we believe in ourselves more.”
Since Fukofuka was introduced as manager, Hawkins has been a near constant presence for her country at flyhalf.
The 27-year-old, who has played in all but one of the 2024 Test matches for the United States, has been at the epicenter of this resurgence.
It is the first time the MA Sorensen University Rugby Player of the Year winner has had consistent performances as a starter since making his debut for the Eagles in 2018.
“It’s a dream come true,” Hawkins said. “I’m so grateful for all my time playing in Jersey.
“I don’t take for granted any jersey I get because of my difficult American career. I know it could be my last.
“In terms of just playing, it’s really helped me grow my game because I get more experience and I learn something every time I play.
“I’ve learned more in the past year than I have in my entire rugby career.”
Hawkins is one of a number of homegrown players set to feature in the inaugural season of women’s elite rugby.
Hawkins, who is currently juggling an offseason training schedule with graduate school, will be one of the players to benefit from this increased support.
The tournament is intended to capitalize on the U.S. women’s sevens’ success in winning an Olympic bronze medal and the WNBA’s soaring popularity over the past year.
The privately funded competition will have 180 players on its payroll for the first time, fostering the development of women’s club rugby in the United States and bridging the gap between college rugby and top-level competition.
“I’m a very practical person,” Hawkins said. “I’m more pragmatic than optimistic.
“I think starting a domestic league is a very bold challenge. But I think the professionalization of rugby needs to start in America.
“I’m really positive if this season provides a good, solid foundation for American rugby to grow from.
“I think we need to have a stronger presence in the United States for young girls participating in women’s rugby and I think this is the path we need to focus on.
“So if we provide a league for young girls to watch rugby and bring in those numbers, we will have a more robust path forward in the end.
“I’m really curious to see how it goes. “We are grateful to be able to play more rugby and once we finish we will be bringing in some girls from PWR to strengthen the quality of the game and bring everyone together to provide a solid foundation for professional rugby.”
Come 2025, the Eagles know exactly what’s in store for them.
After the 2025 Pacific Four series, all eyes will be on the Rugby World Cup and the match against hosts England in the tournament opener.
The biggest tournament of all time is underway at the Stadium of Light at the end of August, providing an opportunity to showcase rugby’s progress and brand.
The match against England will draw more attention to the United States, which hopes to win the hearts of its home crowd as it counts down to hosting the 2033 World Cup.
The concept of inspiring the next generation is enough to make Hawkins’ eyes shine and resonates deeply with the 27-year-old.
“At first I was intrigued by the idea of being a part of it,” Hawkins said.
“For the whole of USA Rugby to be a World Cup opener, I think you would look back on your childhood and have stars in your eyes.
“I know it will be huge for people in England to see their daughters play. But for America’s young girls to have their home opener is a dream come true.
“It would be huge for me to be an inspiration to one little girl. The reason I got into rugby and grew up was because I played with the US U20 players, and that was why I wanted to play rugby.
“I didn’t even think about the senior side. I wanted to be them. If I looked at that in my life and thought about where I am now, that would be huge for me.
“I want to take up rugby because any young girl or boy will be watching us.
“Honestly, I think that’s probably my biggest priority as to why I keep playing.”
