Denver's new women's pro rugby team drops its name

• The Onyx will compete against the (San Francisco) Bay Breakers, Boston Banshees, Chicago Tempest, New York Exiles and the Twin Cities Gemini.

State of play: The league sought to capitalize on interest in the sport sparked by the U.S. women's national rugby team earning its first-ever Olympic medal last year.

Between the lines: Denver's team name pays homage to the state's mineral wealth.

• It's is a nod to the Colorado rose onyx, found inside the Capitol building, and the black onyx that's also mined in the state.

What we're watching: The league has not yet announced where the Denver Onyx will play.

What's next: The league will release its schedule Feb. 4, with games starting in March.