Ruby Tui returns to Black Ferns in squad for WXV 1

The inaugural edition of WXV will commence in Wellington on October 21 and will culminate in two rounds, featuring a highly-anticipated showdown between the Black Ferns and their Rugby World Cup final adversaries, marking their first encounter since the famous victory at Eden Park last November.

Among the elite teams participating in this new international tournament are the other two top finishers from both the Six Nations and Pacific Four Series: France, Wales, Australia, and Canada.

Newly appointed Black Ferns coach, Allan Bunting, got off to a winning start in his leadership role with a commanding victory in the Pacific Four Series. He has subsequently named a 30-woman squad for WXV, primarily composed of familiar faces, with the addition of promising young talents who made an impression during the recent Farah Palmer Cup season. Additionally, global rugby superstar Ruby Tui is making her return.

Auckland’s triumphant performance in the Farah Palmer Cup, which concluded on Saturday, has earned eight of their players a spot in the Black Ferns squad. These new additions make up half of the four fresh names on the team: Chryss Viliko and Sophie Fisher. The other two newcomers, Martha Mataele from Canterbury and Layla Sae from Manawatu, complete the quartet.

Black Ferns Director of Rugby, Allan Bunting, commented on the challenging selection process, highlighting the growth of women’s rugby and the increasing depth within the squad. He expressed excitement about the potential of these new players and their contributions, both on and off the field, emphasizing the promising future of women’s rugby in New Zealand.