Black Ferns squad for End of Year Tour named
The Black Ferns squad to travel to the United Kingdom for a three-Test Series against England, Canada, and Ireland, has been named today.
The squad is:
FORWARDS
Aldora | Itunu | Prop | Auckland |
Aotearoa | Mata’u | Prop | Counties Manukau |
Toka | Natua | Prop | Waikato |
Aleisha | Nelson | Prop | Auckland |
Sosoli | Talawadua | Prop | Waikato |
Fiao’o | Faamausili (capt) | Hooker | Auckland |
Te Kura | Ngata-Aerengamate | Hooker | Counties Manukau |
Eloise | Blackwell | Lock | Auckland |
Charlene | Gubb | Lock | Auckland |
Charmaine | Smith | Lock | North Harbour |
Rawinia | Everitt | Loose forward | Counties Manukau |
Charmaine | McMenamin | Loose forward | Auckland |
Aroha | Savage | Loose forward | Counties Manukau |
Angie | Sisifa | Loose forward | Otago |
Sharnita | Woodman * | Loose forward | Counties Manukau |
BACKS
Kendra | Cocksedge | Halfback | Canterbury |
Kristina | Sue | Halfback | Manawatu |
Kelly | Brazier | First five-eighth | Otago |
Kiritapu | Demant | First five-eighth | Auckland |
Chelsea | Alley | Midfield back | North Harbour |
Renee | Wickliffe | Midfield back | Counties Manukau |
Honey | Hireme | Outside back | Waikato |
Carla | Hohepa | Outside back | Waikato |
Janna | Vaughan | Outside back | Manawatu |
Selica | Winiata | Outside back | Manawatu |
Portia | Woodman | Outside back | Counties Manukau |
Hazel | Tubic | Fullback | Counties Manukau |
* denotes new cap
The squad is stacked with experience – a total 284 caps – with Sharnita Woodman the only uncapped player on tour.
Prop Sosoli Talawadua and first-five Kiri Demant are the only new names to be added to the squad since the fixtures against Australia last month.
The squad of 27 will look to continue the success of their two-Test wins over Australia when they play England in London, and Canada then Ireland in Dublin.
The Black Ferns have assembled in Auckland ahead of their departure to the UK on Sunday evening.
Head Coach Glenn Moore said the series against Australia had allowed the coaching team to give new players a go and to try combinations of players.
“We had a quick turnaround for the lead-up to the series and the team came together quickly. We face the same challenge in preparing for this series and the key for us will be how quickly we can adjust and settle into our offshore routine.
“Touring is always an exciting opportunity for players. It’s a chance for us to see how players cope with the unique pressures of touring, and playing against nations that are clearly enjoying their rugby at the moment.
“We know that playing against the black jersey brings out the best in our opposition, but we know that these players are up for that challenge.”
“Making the Black Ferns squad for the Women’s Rugby World Cup next year is everyone’s goal, so getting some game time against some tough opposition will be hugely valuable. There is no doubt England, Canada, and Ireland will be fired up – it’s going to be a fantastic few weeks of women’s rugby,” he said.
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