Forged in Rugby: The Erica Kissinger Story
Photo Credit: @CardiffMetSport/Carl Robertson
“Rugby means family to me. It has always been a place where I know I belong. It is a global community and a safe space where you can truly be yourself. No matter where you are from or what your background is, rugby brings people together.
Coming back from my ACL injury has made me reflect even more on what the sport means to me. It is more than just a game. It has shaped who I am. It teaches resilience, discipline and teamwork. It gives you a support system that stretches far beyond the pitch.”
Driven by passion and shaped by determination, Erica Kissinger’s journey is one worth exploring. Let’s dive in.
Celina Rugby
No matter how far you go in the game, whether you are an international star or running out for your local club, every story has to start somewhere. For Kissinger, her rugby career began at Celina Rugby Club. It’s at clubs like this that a lifelong love for rugby is fostered – a game that has taken Kissinger across the globe. That club in Texas was the catalys for the journey. She talks about the club, and you can tell it means a lot to her.
“Celina Rugby Club will always hold a special place in my heart because it is where everything started. It was my first club. I began playing there with my brother, coached by my dad, and later my little sister came through as well. It is not just the foundation of my rugby journey, but also a big part of my family’s story.
“The club has also been important for growing the game in Texas. I was part of one of the first middle school girls’ rugby teams to play in Texas. That was a huge step for girls’ rugby in the state. Although the girls’ side is no longer running due to numbers, the impact it had on young players, including me, will always matter. It built confidence, community and opportunity.”
Building on foundations laid at Celina, the American headed to the MacDowell Rugby Academy to sharpen her skill set. When it was time for university, she travelled to Wales.
Cardiff Met
When she arrived at Cyncoed in 2023, a new chapter began. From that moment on, her game evolved, improving with each performance. Cardiff Met is an institution known for helping promising talents on their journey. Kissinger has already achieved tremendous success at the university, most notably securing last year’s Super BUCS title. That day at Rodney Parade, the Archers edged out Loughborough to secure a 30–29 victory in a historic win. Kissinger talks about how Cardiff Met has helped her development.
“Cardiff Met has been one of the best decisions I have made for my rugby career. Before coming here, I spent two years at MacDowell Rugby Academy in Canada, where I developed key skills and realised I wanted to push for the elite level.
“At Cardiff Met, I have taken another big step forward. Fifteens rugby here is played at a very high level. I have always known that fifteens is where I see my future. I came in as a prop and transitioned into hooker, which has helped me grow technically and tactically.
“Beyond skills, Cardiff Met has given me an environment where everyone takes their sport seriously. The coaches have created a culture where you feel mentally and physically supported. Being surrounded by driven athletes every day pushes me to improve constantly.”
Greatness in sport is built on sacrifice and bold decisions. By taking her talents to Wales, Kissinger showed her willingness to chase growth wherever it leads, and she speaks about life in Cardiff.
“Yes, I am really enjoying playing in Wales. It is a step up physically from what I experienced in Canada and America. The game here is more demanding, both physically and technically.
“The intensity has helped me grow as a player. You have to execute skills under pressure, and that challenge has developed me more than anything else. I believe every player should experience rugby in an environment like this at some point in their career.”
Every rugby player dreams of representing their nation, and Kissinger is on the path to realising that dream.
International stage
It must be an unreal experience running out for one’s nation. Coming through the USA pathways, she has made appearances for the USA U20s. Kissinger competed in the 2024 Transatlantic Series in Cardiff. The Cardiff Met player talks about what it means to play for her nation.
“Representing my country is something I cannot fully put into words. It was incredibly special, especially doing it in Cardiff while playing against girls I train with and know well.
“Standing for the national anthem and hearing it played gave me chills. Looking across the field and seeing familiar faces made it even more meaningful. It was a magical experience and one of the proudest moments of my life so far.”
Kissinger is a talented player; it will be fascinating to see what the future holds for her.
“My long-term ambition is to play in a Rugby World Cup for the USA Women. That has been my dream since I was in third grade. The ultimate goal is to play alongside my sister on that stage.
“Although I am currently facing a setback with my ACL injury, I see this as part of the journey. It is an opportunity to grow stronger mentally and physically. I am determined to come back better, continue developing my skills and push myself every day to reach that World Cup squad.”
A World Cup sits firmly in her sights, the ultimate stage for any player. With hunger and belief guiding her path, she is chasing something far greater than just appearances.
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