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Sport Nation
Important SN update for SouthlandBlack Ferns confirm 33-strong squad for July home series
Sport Nation • June 30th, 2025 10:00 am
The Black Ferns perform the Haka | Photo: Photosport
Black Ferns selectors have confirmed a 33-player squad for July’s home fixtures against the Black Ferns XV (July 5, Whangārei) and Australia (July 12, Wellington), with two potential Test debutants named and several experienced figures recalled.
Matatū lock Laura Bayfield and Chiefs Manawa loose forward Mia Anderson could earn maiden Test caps, while Renee Holmes and Kelly Brazier return to the national fold. The squad marks the final chance to impress on home soil ahead of next month’s Rugby World Cup in England.
Four players from the Pacific Four Series squad have been replaced. Kennedy Tukuafu, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, and Mererangi Paul are sidelined with injury, with Alana Bremner stepping into a co-captaincy role alongside Ruahei Demant.
“Selections are only getting tougher,” said Director of Performance Allan Bunting. “Renee has shown real growth, Kelly brings depth and experience at 10, while Mia and Laura have consistently impressed.”
Both new faces have earned their spots through standout domestic form. Bayfield was a mainstay in Matatū’s 2025 Sky Super Rugby Aupiki campaign, starting all six matches and crossing the line once. She also captains the NZ Army’s 3rd Field and Emergency Response Squadron.
Anderson returned from maternity leave to feature for Waikato in the 2023 Farah Palmer Cup, later cementing her spot in the Chiefs Manawa starting lineup. Originally from Kerikeri, she debuted in the FPC for Northland aged just 17.
All squad members will feature in the trial match against the Black Ferns XV in Whangārei, with three players - Bayfield, Iritana Hohaia, and Hannah King - suiting up for the XV side to gain game time ahead of the Test match.
“For the trial match, it’s a priority to provide as many opportunities for our players to get game time leading up to World Cup selections. Moving three of our players to the Black Ferns XV side will ensure they’re given quality minutes against quality opposition,” Bunting said.
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Black Ferns Squad
Loosehead Props: Chryss Viliko, Kate Henwood, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu.
Hookers: Georgia Ponsonby, Atlanta Lolohea, Vici-Rose Green.
Tighthead Props: Tanya Kalounivale, Amy Rule, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu.
Locks: Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Alana Bremner, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, Chelsea Bremner, Laura Bayfield.
Loose Forwards: Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Layla Sae, Jorja Miller, Mia Anderson.
Halfbacks: Maia Joseph, Iritana Hohaia, Risaleaana Pouri-Lane.
First-fives: Ruahei Demant (co-captain), Hannah King, Kelly Brazier.
Midfield: Sylvia Brunt, Amy du Plessis, Stacey Waaka, Theresa Setefano.
Outside Backs: Katelyn Vahaakolo, Ayesha Leti-I’iga, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Renee Holmes, Braxton Sorensen-McGee.
Unavailable due to injury: Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Kennedy Tukuafu, Mererangi Paul, Ariana Bayler, Alena Saili.
