Black Ferns squad confirmed for Pacific Four Series

Black Ferns selectors Allan Bunting, Tony Christie, Steve Jackson, Dan Cron and Riki Flutey have named a 33-strong squad for the upcoming Pacific Four Series in May.

Three players are in-line to make their Black Ferns debut, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (prop), Vici-Rose Green (hooker) and Braxton Sorensen-McGee (fullback).

Mahutariki-Fakalelu, an emerging powerhouse, was part of the Waikato team that clinched the Farah Palmer Cup, Presented by Bunnings Warehouse title in 2024. After taking time away from the game, she earned a call-up in the Chiefs Manawa side for this year’s Sky Super Rugby Aupiki where she continued to impress.

Waikato hooker Green made her Sky Super Rugby Aupiki debut in 2023 which saw her named in Black Ferns XV that same year. Following an outstanding season with the Chiefs Manawa in 2025, Green has been rewarded with a Black Ferns call-up.

Rising star Sorensen-McGee, known for her speed and instincts, has also been named in the outside backs, alongside Black Ferns stalwart Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, after making a lasting impression in their inaugural season with the Blues.

Bunting said he was impressed by the focus and growth shown by the players following two days of testing and an internal hit-out coupled with their form during Sky Super Rugby Aupiki.

“Our squad selections are based on consistency in Aupiki, experience and our two days in camp. The Pacific Four Series is a chance for us to reward those players with an opportunity to represent our country. We are looking forward to seeing our wāhine play Test matches against quality opposition,” Bunting said.

“It’s not just about the squad of 33, this is about building a solid group of 40 plus who will be clear on how we want to be, and play come World Cup selection time.”

Sevens stars Jorja Miller, Stacey Waaka, Theresa Setefano, Dhys Faleafaga and Risaleaana Pouri-Lane have been included, while Kelly Brazier will travel with the squad to Newcastle as travelling reserve.

Miller, Waaka and Pouri-Lane will join the squad in Christchurch ahead of the Black Ferns v Canada match due to their LA Sevens tournament commitments.

A number of experienced players such as Ruby Tui, Renee Holmes and Chelsea Bremner have missed selection for the Pacific Four Series. Bunting acknowledges they were difficult decisions.

“It’s a tight race leading up to our World Cup campaign and we know we’ve had to make tough calls at this point. I've been very impressed by the response and attitude from our players to still serve the team. Our whole group is important on this journey, there is still a bit more water to go under the bridge before we name our World Cup squad,” Bunting said.

The Black Ferns travel to Newcastle on Saturday, May 3 and will begin their preparations for their Test match against Australia at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday, May 10, 5.00pm NZT kick-off. All Pacific Four Series matches will be broadcasted live on Sky Sport 1.

The Black Ferns squad for the Pacific Four Series is (Age, Super Rugby Club, Provincial Union, Test caps):

Loosehead props
Chryss Viliko (24, Blues, Auckland, 10 Test caps)
Kate Henwood (36, Chiefs Manawa, Bay of Plenty, 8 Test caps)
Awhina Tangen-Wainohu (27, Blues, Waikato, 4 Test caps)

Hookers
Georgia Ponsonby (25, Matatū, Canterbury, 27 Test caps)
Atlanta Lolohea (22, Blues, Canterbury, 5 Test caps)
Vici-Rose Green (23, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, uncapped)

Tighthead Props
Tanya Kalounivale (26, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 18 Test caps) 
Amy Rule (24, Matatū, Canterbury, 27 Test caps)
Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (20, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, uncapped)

Locks
Maiakawanakaulani Roos (23, Blues, Auckland, 29 Test caps) 
Alana Bremner (28, Matatū, Canterbury, 25 Test caps)
Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu (22, Blues, Auckland, 5 Test caps)
Dhys Faleafaga (24, Black Ferns Sevens, 2 Test caps)

Loose Forwards
Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (23, Blues, Auckland, 26 Test caps) 
Layla Sae (24, Hurricanes Poua, Manawatū, 11 Test caps)
Kaipo Olsen-Baker (22, Matatū, Manawatū, 9 Test caps)
Kennedy Tukuafu (28, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 27 Test caps)
Jorja Miller (21, Black Ferns Sevens, uncapped)

Halfbacks
Maia Joseph (23, Matatū, Otago, 8 Test caps)
Iritana Hohaia (25, Hurricanes Poua, Taranaki, 14 Test caps)
Risaleaana Pouri-Lane (24, Black Ferns Sevens, uncapped)

First fives
Ruahei Demant (30, Blues, Auckland, 41 Test caps)
Hannah King (21, Matatū, Canterbury, 7 Test caps)

Midfield 
Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt (21, Blues, Auckland, 21 Test caps)
Theresa Setefano (30, Black Ferns Sevens, 18 Test caps) 
Amy du Plessis (25, Matatū, Canterbury, 19 Test caps)
Stacey Waaka (29, Black Ferns Sevens, 25 Test caps)

Outside backs
Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (33, Blues, 24 Test caps)
Katelyn Vahaakolo (25, Blues, Auckland, 14 Test caps)
Ayesha Leti-I’iga (26, Hurricanes Poua, Wellington, 24 Test caps) 
Mererangi Paul (26, Chiefs Manawa, Counties Manukau, 12 Test caps)
Braxton Sorensen-McGee (18, Blues, Auckland, uncapped)

*Travelling reserve to Newcastle
Kelly Brazier (35, Black Ferns Sevens, 42 Test caps)