Black Ferns squad for 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup named

Jul 5 • General News, International • 1133 Views • Comments Off on Black Ferns squad for 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup named

The Black Ferns squad for the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup (WRWC) has been named today by Head Coach Glenn Moore.

The 28-strong squad will travel to Ireland on 1 August in their bid to win the four-yearly tournament in Dublin and Belfast.

The team is (with the province and Test caps):

FORWARDS
Aldora Itunu Auckland 11
Toka Natua Waikato 11
Aleisha Nelson Auckland 23
Sosoli Talawadua Waikato 3
Fiao’o Faamausili – captain Auckland 47
Becky Wood North Harbour 2
Charmaine Smith North Harbour 11
Eloise Blackwell Auckland 27
Charmaine McMenamin Auckland 9
Les Ketu Bay of Plenty 5
Linda Itunu Auckland 33
Rawinia Everitt Counties Manukau 22
Sarah Goss Manawatu 5
Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate Counties Manukau 15
Aroha Savage Counties Manukau 23
Aotearoa (Katie) Mata’u Counties Manukau 5
BACKS
Stacey Waaka Waikato 6
Kelly Brazier Otago 32
Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali Counties Manukau 14
Kendra Cocksedge Canterbury 37
Kristina Sue Manawatu 7
Hazel Tubic Auckland 10
Renee Wickliffe Counties Manukau 26
Portia Woodman Counties Manukau 11
Selica Winiata Manawatu 27
Carla Hohepa Waikato 14
Theresa Fitzpatrick Auckland 2
Chelsea Alley North Harbour 14

New Zealand Rugby Chair Brent Impey congratulated the players selected and said representing New Zealand in a World Cup was a momentous achievement for all those named.

“Pulling on the black jersey and wearing the fern is the ultimate goal for any New Zealand athlete, but to play in a World Cup is something few rugby players ever achieve. These women are at the top of their game, and whether it is their first World Cup or their third, it is always special. I congratulate them all on achieving selection.

“Today is the beginning of their journey and I know they will take with them to Ireland the best wishes and support from all of New Zealand. We wish them every success,” he said.

Coach Glenn Moore has picked a Black Ferns squad packed with experience, talent and pace.

He said June’s International Women’s Rugby Series against Canada, England, and Australia had provided the squad with much-needed international competition in preparation for the World Cup.

“We won two Tests and lost one. We were disappointed to lose to England, but now we know what we need to work on and where our strengths lie.

“Everyone who’s been selected today deserves their spot. We have the right combination of players, many with lots of experience to draw on. We know how tough the task ahead is and we are excited about the challenge.

“We take nothing for granted and the players have been training hard all year,  and have continued to play club rugby since the June series finished to maintain match fitness.”

“We are determined to do our fans, families and our country proud.”

The Black Ferns are New Zealand’s most successful national rugby team, with four World Cup wins. In the 2014 tournament, the Black Ferns placed fifth.

2017 WOMEN’S RUGBY WORLD CUP BLACK FERNS POOL MATCHES

Thursday, 10 August – Black Ferns v Wales (kick-off at 1.45 am NZT)
Sunday, 13 August – Black Ferns v Hong Kong (kick-off at 11 pm NZT)
Friday 18 August – Black Ferns v Canada (kick-off at 4.15 am NZT)

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