Black Ferns Squad Features New Talent
The Black Ferns have announced a 31-player squad for their upcoming end-of-year schedule, which includes five uncapped players. This selection follows nine changes made by head coach Whitney Hansen and her assistant coaches since the squad for the Pacific Four Series earlier this year. The team is set to compete in eight Tests, including the O’Reilly Cup against Australia, a match against South Africa as part of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour, and the WXV Global Series.
The new faces earning their first call-ups to the Black Ferns squad are loosehead prop Ngano Tavake, lock Amarante Sititi, loose forward Elinor-Plum King, and outside backs Maia Davis and Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a. These players have been recognised for their consistent performances in Super Rugby Aupiki. Their inclusion highlights the ongoing development within the women’s rugby pathway in New Zealand.
Among the returning players are prop Santo Taumata, who was part of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2022 winning squad, and centre Alena Saili, making her first appearance for the Black Ferns since 2018. Fullback Braxton Sorensen-McGee also joins the squad, while loose forward Layla Sae marks a return after recovering from an ACL injury, demonstrating resilience and dedication to the sport.
The squad’s composition reflects a balance between experienced players and emerging talent. Whitney Hansen noted that finding the right balance was a key aspect of the selection process. She also expressed enthusiasm for the new Black Ferns, anticipating that they will contribute different strengths both on and off the field.
Depth and Development in New Zealand Rugby
The quality of rugby in Sky Super Rugby Aupiki has been praised by Whitney Hansen, who indicated that the competition for spots in the national squad is stronger than ever. This increased competition, driven by a pool of talented players across all positions, made selection decisions challenging but is seen as a positive indicator for the sport’s growth.
The Black Ferns XV squad, an important part of the women’s professional rugby pathway, was also recently named. This 25-strong squad will assemble on Sunday, 9 August, to prepare for a one-off fixture against the Black Ferns on Friday, 14 August, at Maidstone Sports Park in Upper Hutt, Wellington. This match is scheduled for a 3.30pm kick-off and will be livestreamed.
Nine players who represented the Black Ferns XV in 2025 have been included in the 31-strong Black Ferns squad for the upcoming international schedule, underscoring the effectiveness of this pathway. The 2026 Black Ferns XV squad itself features a blend of international experience and emerging talent, with five capped Black Ferns selected alongside players like Taufa Bason and Sam Taylor, who have previously been named in wider Black Ferns squads.
Additionally, nine players in their debut season for Sky Super Rugby Aupiki have been named in the Black Ferns XV squad, further highlighting the continued growth and depth within women’s rugby. These players include Amber Mundell, Lonita Ngalu-Lavamai, Paris Lokotui, Danny-Elle Fesolai, Hinemarangi Scott, Kokako Raki, Wikitoria Viljoen, Presayus Singh, and Lialanie Muamua.
Preparations and Upcoming Challenges
The Black Ferns will begin their preparations this week in Wellington, leading up to their match against the Black Ferns XV. Following this, they will travel to Auckland for the O’Reilly Cup Test. The team’s offshore travel is scheduled to commence from 28 August, with their return home from 1 October, ahead of home Tests against France.
Whitney Hansen emphasised that the upcoming matches provide an opportunity for the group to test the Black Ferns‘ rugby identity and to continue building towards the first-ever British and Irish Lions Women’s Tour next year. She noted that the team’s focus at the start of the year was to bring their brand of rugby to life, which was observed during the Pacific Four Series. The next phase involves evolving their playing style and maintaining team cohesion.
Several players were unavailable for selection due to various reasons. Kennedy Tukuafu (hamstring) and Jaymie Kolose (ankle) were unavailable due to injury. Fullback Renee Holmes and wing Katelyn Vahaakolo were also unavailable due to their commitments with the Black Ferns Sevens. Additionally, veterans Amy Rule and Alana Borland, who opted to play full seasons in the Premiership Women’s Rugby competition in the United Kingdom, were not named, as they would not be eligible for the Black Ferns for the entirety of 2026 without playing domestic rugby in New Zealand this year.
The Black Ferns XV squad also has players unavailable due to injury, specifically Kaea Nepia (leg) and Fiaali’i Solomona (shoulder). The match between the Black Ferns XV and the Black Ferns is scheduled for Friday, 14 August.
Source: allblacks.com
