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Sport Nation
Black Ferns name 33-player squad for 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup
Sport Nation • July 25th, 2025 5:21 pm
Portia Woodman-Wickliffe is heading to her third World Cup | Photo: Photosport
The Black Ferns have announced their 33-player squad for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, as they prepare to defend their title next month.
The squad was revealed by former Black Fern Honey Hireme-Smiler during a special event held in Wellington.
The squad features a strong mix of experience and youth, with 19 forwards and 14 backs.
Sixteen players from the 2022 Rugby World Cup winning squad return, including co-captains Ruahei Demant and Kennedy Tukuafu.
Among the standout selections are Black Ferns legend Kelly Brazier, who will make her fourth World Cup appearance, alongside Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Theresa Setefano, and Stacey Waaka, all set to attend their third World Cup.
Rising star Braxton Sorensen-McGee, just 18 years old, becomes the youngest player selected for the squad.
Braxton will make her first World Cup appearance alongside the newest Black Fern, Laura Bayfield, who debuted in the final home Test match v Australia.
World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year, Jorja Miller and halfback Risaleaana Pouri-Lane earned their selections through their impressive transition to the fifteens game.
Black Ferns Director of Performance, Allan Bunting, expressed confidence in the squad.
“On behalf of the coaching group, I’d like to congratulate all our players named tonight in front of their whānau. We are really excited about this group and truly believe they can take us to the next level."
“We’ve got vast experience across our squad, with more than half of our players having competed at pinnacle events.
The Black Ferns will leave for England on August 13 to begin their campaign, with their first Pool C match against Spain on August 25, followed by games against Japan (September 1) and Ireland (September 8).
Jorja Miller is one of 13 Black Ferns to play their first World Cup | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
Black Ferns Rugby World Cup Squad:
Loosehead props: *Kate Henwood, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, *Chryss Viliko
Hookers: *Atlanta Lolohea, *Vici-Rose Green, Georgia Ponsonby
Tighthead props: Tanya Kalounivale, *Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Amy Rule
Locks: *Laura Bayfield, Alana Bremner, Chelsea Bremner, Maiakawanakaulani Roos
Loose forwards: Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, *Jorja Miller, *Kaipo Olsen-Baker, *Layla Sae, Kennedy Tukuafu
Halfbacks: *Iritana Hohaia, *Maia Joseph, *Risaleaana Pouri-Lane
First five-eighths: Kelly Brazier, Ruahei Demant
Midfielders: Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt, Amy du Plessis, Theresa Setefano, Stacey Waaka
Outside backs: Renee Holmes, Ayesha Leti-I’iga, *Braxton Sorensen-McGee, *Katelyn Vahaakolo, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe
Non-travelling reserve: Krystal Murray
* denotes first Rugby World Cup
