Black Ferns squad for End of Year Tour named

Nov 14 • General News, International • 1220 Views • Comments Off on 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.