The Black Ferns are set to embark on their rugby World cup campaign, departing Wellington on Wednesday, August 13th, for England. Their journey begins in Pool C, with their first match scheduled against Spain in York on August 24th (local time). They will than face Japan in Exeter on August 31st,followed by a clash with Ireland in Brighton on September 7th.
This tournament marks a significant moment for women’s rugby in Aotearoa, with the national team assembling in Wellington for their final preparations. The squad boasts a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent, poised to make their mark on the international stage.
New Zealand squad for Rugby World Cup
Forwards
- loosehead Prop: Kate Henwood (Chiefs Manawa, Bay of Plenty, 10 Tests), Awhina Tangen-Wainohu (Blues, waikato, 7 Tests), chryss Viliko (Blues, Auckland, 13 Tests)
- Hooker: Atlanta Lolohea (Blues, Canterbury, 7 Tests), Vici-Rose Green (Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 2 Tests), Georgia Ponsonby (Matatū, Canterbury, 31 Tests)
- Tighthead Prop: Tanya Kalounivale (Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 22 Tests), Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 1 Test), Amy Rule (Matatū, Canterbury, 30 Tests)
- Second Row: laura Bayfield (Matatū, Canterbury, 1 Test), Alana Bremner (Matatū, Canterbury, 29 Tests), Chelsea Bremner (Matatū, canterbury, 22 Tests), Maiakawanakaulani Roos (Blues, Auckland, 33 Tests)
- Back Row: Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (Blues, Auckland, 29 Tests), Jorja Miller (Black Ferns Sevens, Canterbury, 2 Tests), Kaipo Olsen-Baker (Matatū, Manawatū, 12 Tests), Layla Sae (Hurricanes Poua, manawatū, 14 Tests), Kennedy Tukuafu (Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 30 Tests)
Backs
- Scrum-half: Iritana Hohaia (hurricanes Poua, Taranaki, 17 Tests), Maia Joseph (matatū, Otago, 11 Tests), Risaleaana Pouri-Lane (Black Ferns Sevens, Tasman, 2 Tests)
- Fly-half: Kelly Brazier (Chiefs Manawa, Bay of Plenty, 43 Tests), Ruahei Demant (Blues, Auckland, 45 Tests)
- Centre: Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt (Blues, Auckland, 25 Tests), Amy du Plessis (Matatū, Canterbury, 21 Tests), Theresa Setefano (Blues, Auckland, 19 Tests), Stacey Waaka (chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 27 Tests)
- Wing / Full-back: Renee Holmes (Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 23 Tests), Ayesha Leti-I’iga (Hurricanes Poua, Wellington, 26 Tests), Braxton Sorensen-McGee (Blues, Auckland, 3 Tests), Katelyn Vahaakolo (Blues, Auckland, 17 Tests), Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (Blues, Northland, 27 Tests)
Non-travelling Reserve: Krystal Murray (Chiefs Manawa, Northland, 14 Tests)
* denotes first Rugby World cup appearance.
