Du Plessis and New Zealand give glimpse into World Cup strategy
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Black Ferns selectors have invited 49 players to attend the first training camp for 2025 held in Wellington between April 27-30 in the lead up to the Pacific Four Series (PAC4).
Black Ferns Director of Performance Allan Bunting said he was impressed with the competitiveness and intensity displayed during Super Rugby Aupiki.
“Firstly on behalf of New Zealand Rugby (NZR), I’d like to congratulate each player and their whānau on their selection into our first training camp of the year. The decisions have come from a combination of previous Black Ferns experience and outstanding performances across Sky Super Rugby Aupiki in their respective teams,” Bunting said.
“We are looking forward to bringing this very talented group together.
“It is important for us to build connections and lay down the foundations. It is great to have experienced and new talent with key attributes that we know will drive connection, competition and growth in our environment. We are excited to get going on the first part of our World Cup journey. We believe this group of wāhine toa can really go to the next level.”
As previously announced, sevens players Stacey Waaka and Jorja Miller will join the Black Ferns after the Los Angeles Sevens. Risaleaana Pouri-Lane will now also play in Los Angeles and come into camp in Christchurch. Kelsey Teneti and Jaymie Kolose will be available for selection for the Black Ferns Sevens for Los Angeles and will join Black Ferns training camps after PAC4.
Portia Woodman-Wickliffe ended her international retirement and headlines the training team.
South African-born Amy du Plessis is another who stands out in the squad.
The PAC4 squad will be announced on Thursday, May 1, alongside a full list of Black Ferns contracted players for 2025. Media resources such as media guide, headshots and pronunciation guides will also be provided then.
— Babalwa Latsha (@BabalwaLatsha) April 23, 2025
Black Ferns training camp invitees list:
Mia Anderson (Chiefs, Waikato)
Taufa Bason (Blues, Manawatū)
Laura Bayfield (Matatū, Canterbury)
Ariana Bayler (Chiefs, Waikato)
Kelly Brazier (Chiefs, Bay of Plenty)
Chelsea Bremner (Matatū, Canterbury)
Alana Bremner (Matatū, Canterbury)
Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai’i Sylvia Brunt (Blues, Auckland)
Luka Connor (Chiefs, Bay of Plenty)
Ruahei Demant (Blues, Auckland)
Amy du Plessis (Matatū, Canterbury)
Dhys Faleafaga (Black Ferns Sevens)
Vici-Rose Green (Chiefs, Waikato)
Kate Henwood (Chiefs, Bay of Plenty)
Iritana Hohaia (Hurricanes, Taranaki)
Renee Holmes (Chiefs, Waikato)
Maia Joseph (Matatū, Otago)
Tanya Kalounivale (Chiefs, Waikato)
Jaymie Kolose (Blues, Counties Manukau)
Hannah King (Matatū, Canterbury)
Ayesha Leti-I’iga (Hurricanes, Wellington)
Atlanta Lolohea (Blues, Canterbury)
Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (Chiefs, Waikato)
Holly-Rae Mete (Matatū, Manawatū)
Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (Blues, Auckland)
Jorja Miller (Black Ferns Sevens)
Krystal Murray (Chiefs, Northland)
Kaipo Olsen-Baker (Matatū, Manawatū)
Marcelle Parkes (Matatū, Canterbury)
Mererangi Paul (Chiefs, Counties Manukau)
Georgia Ponsonby (Matatū, Canterbury)
Risaleaana Pouri-Lane (Black Ferns Sevens)
Maiakawanakaulani Roos (Blues, Auckland)
Amy Rule (Matatū, Canterbury)
Layla Sae (Hurricanes, Manawatū)
Alena Saili (Black Ferns Sevens)
Theresa Setefano (Black Ferns Sevens)
Braxton Sorensen-McGee (Blues, Auckland)
Awhina Tangen-Wainohu (Blues, Waikato)
Santo Taumata (Chiefs, Bay of Plenty)
Kelsey Teneti (Black Ferns Sevens)
Ruby Tui (Chiefs, Counties Manukau)
Kennedy Tukuafu (Chiefs, Waikato)
Tara Turner (Blues, Northland)
Katelyn Vahaakolo (Blues, Auckland)
Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu (Blues, Auckland)
Chryss Viliko (Blues, Auckland)
Stacey Waaka (Black Ferns Sevens)
Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (Blues)
