Super exciting to see Maia Joseph* named in the 2024 Black Ferns Pacific Four Series squad! Congratulations Maia!

Black Ferns coaches Allan Bunting, Steve Jackson, Mike Delany, Tony Christie and Dan Cron have named a 30-strong squad for the Pacific Four Series including three home Tests in Hamilton, Auckland and Christchurch.

Black Ferns coaches have rewarded Sky Super Rugby Aupiki form with the competition’s top performers named in the first squad of the year, with three players in line for Test debuts.Stand-out Blues lock Maama Vaipulu will be joined by the exciting young pairing of Matatū halfback Maia Joseph and Hurricanes Poua first five-eighth Hannah King in the squad for the first time. Powerful Blues tighthead prop Aldora Itunu earns her first Black Ferns call up since 2021, while converted Matatū loosehead prop Marcelle Parkes and tenacious Hurricanes Poua midfielder Monica Tagoai return for the first time since 2019 and 2018 respectively. Black Ferns Director of Rugby Allan Bunting said the intense nature of the Sky Super Rugby Aupiki competition has made for a competitive selection process.

“We are hugely excited by the squad we have selected for the Pacific Four series. We have seen these players perform strongly during Sky Super Rugby Aupiki and their selection is credit to their consistent form across the competitive season. 

“This series is extremely important for us, not only to provide an opportunity to expose our new players to the international stage, but to seek qualification up for the WXV1 tournament at the end of the year.”The Black Ferns will open their 2024 season on home soil, when they take on USA at FMG Stadium Waikato, in the first Test of the Pacific Four Series. The Test match will be the first of three, with the remaining two Tests taking place in Christchurch and Auckland, which doubles as the O'Reilly Cup presented by Ryman Healthcare.“We are looking forward to the upcoming months. To have the opportunity for our whānau and fans to see the team is special. We are excited about the challenge that lies ahead for us, and we feel the support of Aotearoa when they are cheering us on,” said Bunting.

Media Opportunity

All-in media zoom at 1.00pm, with Black Ferns Assistant Coach Tony Christie, followed by Black Ferns players Iritana Hohaia and Hannah King. For training vision click here. To confirm your attendance and receive Zoom details, please RSVP to Amanda Meade on the details below.

Media Resources

Captured media interviews with Black Ferns Assistant Coach Steve Jackson, Black Ferns players Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Aldora Itunu and Hannah King, click here.Player bio information: click here. Pronunciation guide, recordings, vision b-roll, headshots and a selection of photos, will be available here.

Broadcast

All Black Ferns Tests will be broadcasted live on Sky Sport.

Pacific Four Series Schedule (New Zealand times and dates listed)

Black Ferns v USA, Saturday 11 May, 2.05pm, FMG Stadium Waikato, HAMILTONBlack Ferns v Canada, Sunday 19 May, 4.35pm, Apollo Projects Stadium, CHRISTCHURCHBlack Ferns v Australia, Saturday 25 May, 2.05pm, North Harbour Stadium, AUCKLAND (O’Reilly Cup, presented by Ryman Healthcare). 

Catch the Black Ferns in Christchurch, Sunday 19 May, 4:35pm, as they take on Canada!

TICKETS: https://bit.ly/3UpBolB

Article added: Wednesday 01 May 2024