Ruby Tui returns to Black Ferns in squad for WXV 1

The first edition of the WXV kicks off in Wellington on October 21, concluding two rounds later with the Black Ferns facing their Rugby World Cup final opponents for the first time since that famous win at Eden Park last November.

Also included in the top tier of the new international tournament are the other two of the top three finishers from both the Six Nations and Pacific Four Series; France, Wales, Australia and Canada.

New Black Ferns coach Allan Bunting enjoyed a winning start to his reign with a dominant Pacific Four Series win and has named a largely similar 30-woman squad for the WXV, with the addition of some outstanding young talent who impressed in the recent Farah Palmer Cup season and the return of global superstar Ruby Tui.

Auckland's FPC winning effort on Saturday has seen eight of their squad included in the Black Ferns outfit, contributing half of the team's four new names: Chryss Viliko and Sophie Fisher.

The other two newcomers are Canterbury's Martha Mataele and Manawatu's Layla Sae.

“It has been a very tough selection for our coaching group, which demonstrates the growth in our women’s game and a reflection our depth is certainly building. Our new players have really stood out in several important behaviours we value. All of which we have been looking for in this year’s Farah Palmer Cup,” said Black Ferns Director of Rugby Bunting.

“It is an exciting opportunity for them to come on this journey and look to continue their growth both on and off the field. The future of our internal competition is exciting to see."

Black ferns squad for the WXV 1

Loosehead Props:

Kate Henwood

Krystal Murray

Chryss Viliko*

Hookers:

Georgia Ponsonby

Luka Connor

Natalie Delamere

Tighthead Props:

Amy Rule

Sophie Fisher*

Tanya Kalounivale

Locks:

Charmaigne Smith

Chelsea Bremner

Maiakawanakaulani Roos

Loose Forwards:

Alana Bremner

Kennedy Simon

Layla Sae*

Liana Mikaele-Tu'u

Lucy Jenkins

Halfbacks:

Ariana Bayler

Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu

Iritana Hohaia

First-Five Eighths:

Rosie Kelly

Ruahei Demant

Midfield:

Amy Du Plessis

Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai'i (Sylvia) Brunt

Patricia Maliepo

Outside Backs:

Katelyn Vahaakolo

Martha Mataele*

Mererangi Paul

Renee Holmes

Ruby Tui

* Denotes potential debut

Unavailable for selection due to injury: Ayesha Leti-I'iga (knee), Awhina Tangen Wainohu (neck), Charmaine McMenamin (knee), Santo Taumata (knee).

Also announced was the first Black Ferns XV squad, a team packed with aspiring international talent who will face Manusina XV on September 23rd.

Black Ferns XV Squad

Props:

Ellis Doyle

Esther Faiaoga-Tilo

Moomooga Palu

Marcelle Parkes

Maddi Robinson

Hookers:

Leaso Grace Gago Tiatia

Atlanta Lolohea

Vici-Rose Green

Locks:

Laura Bayfield

Emma Dermody

Sam Taylor

Maama Vaipulu

Loose Forwards:

Mia Anderson

Leah Miles

Elizabeth Moimoi

Holly Wratt-Groeneweg

Halfbacks:

Kahlia Awa

Di Hini

First Five-Eighth:

Maia Joseph

Midfield:

Grace Brooker

Cheyenne Cunnigham

Justine McGregor

Rangimarie Sturmey

Outside Backs:

Lela Ieremia

Harmony Kautai

Angelica Mekemeke Vahai

Tara Turner