Denver Onyx

The Denver Onyx are an American semi-professional women's rugby union team based in Denver, Colorado. The team was founded in 2025 and is scheduled to play in the inaugural Women's Elite Rugby season.
The franchise is led by Nick Donnelly as Senior General Manager and Rachel Pierce as Assistant General Manager, who oversee all team operations, sponsorships, and community engagement initiatives.

History

Since Denver has a history in mining for rare gems and metals, the team name is derived from the Colorado rose onyx, "a gem which is featured in the foundation of the Colorado state capitol building and known for its colors that reflect a Colorado sunset." The black onyx which is also mined in the state "represents strength, courage and determination symbolising the sheer grit and resilience of these athletes." The logo features gemstones in these contrasting colors of black and bright pink.
Former United States women's national [rugby union team|Eagles] representative, Sarah Chobot, was appointed to be the first head coach of the Denver franchise. She currently serves as an assistant coach on the [United States women's national rugby union team|USA Women's Eagles team].
Denver Onyx named Erica Coulibaly, Rachel Ehrecke, McKenzie Hawkins, Maya Learned, and Tahna Wilfley as their five foundational members.
Their matches were played at Infinity Park in Glendale, Colorado. They won the inaugural season of the 2025 [Women's Elite Rugby season|Women's Elite Rugby] competition after defeating the New York Exiles 53–13.

The Denver Onyx squad for the 2025 Women's Elite Rugby season is:
Senior 15s internationally capped players are listed in bold.