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Sport Nation
‘There’s real options’: Why Ruby Tui may miss out on Rugby World Cup selection
Savannah Lendich Jonkers • July 7th, 2025 12:44 pm
Photo: Photosport
Despite scoring both tries for the Black Ferns XV against the Black Ferns, Ruby Tui’s ship may have sailed for the Rugby World Cup selection according to veteran rugby commentator Rikki Swannell.
Last Saturday’s clash between the two sides which ended 45-12 in favour of the Black Ferns, acted as a trial for the upcoming women's Rugby World Cup which will see players selected in the coming weeks.
“For Ruby, she’s behind the pecking order of Katelyn Vaha’akolo, Ayesha Leti-I’iga and then now with Portia (Woodman-Wickliffe) back into that mix, where they seem like they are more likely to use her on the wing,” Swannell told Sport Nation’s Scotty & Izzy this morning.
“You can’t have the luxury of too many specialist wingers,” she said.
Tui is a two-time Olympian with the Black Ferns Sevens, winning silver in 2016 and gold in 2020, and was named Black Ferns Sevens Player of the Year in 2017 and World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year in 2019.
Although Tui has been the face of women’s rugby in recent years, Swannell mentioned that she has had a tough season and recent games “probably didn’t meet her high standard.”
Could Ruby Tui be the next Black Ferns star to jump to NRLW? | Sport Nation Mornings
Only 32 players can be selected for the squad travelling to England for the Rugby World Cup starting August 23.
Swannell said “Kelly (Brazier) looked good” and her experience and ability would be an asset for the team and she could be another set of eyes for the coaching team.
“If Kelly Brazier comes in, Hannah King may be the one to miss out.”
She says Ruahei Demant should start at No. 10 and Stacey Waaka at centre with either Sylvia Brunt or Theresa Setefano, however leaving a question mark with Amy du Plessis.
Swannell also mentioned that Portia Woodman-Wickliffe’s ability to play on either wing or centre would be an asset.
This however excludes Mererangi Paul who didn’t play in the trial but can cover centre, wing and full-back positions.
“There’s really good options, there's probably not gonna be a bad choice, there’s just gonna be a tough choice.”
This weekend's match against the Wallaroos at Wellington’s Sky Stadium will give players another chance to show coach Allan Bunting what they have to offer, however the team is yet to be announced.
Listen to the full interview below:
