Black Ferns coach praises Super Rugby Aupiki improvements, names new squad members
Black Ferns coach Whitney Hansen has highlighted a significant improvement in the quality of play in Super Rugby Aupiki this year, attributing it to the competition’s shift to a full-time professional model. The 2026 season marked the first time players were assembled full-time in their team hubs throughout the campaign, a change Hansen believes has elevated the standard of rugby.
This enhanced domestic competition has contributed to a deeper talent pool for the national team. Hansen noted that the increased depth in positions means some athletes who are performing well may not be selected for the national squad due to the high level of competition.
Squad Selections and Eligibility
A 31-strong Black Ferns squad has been named, featuring five uncapped players who impressed during the Super Rugby Aupiki season. These debutants include:
- Ngano Tavake (loosehead prop)
- Amarante Sititi (lock)
- Elinor-Plum King (loose forward)
- Maia Davis (outside back)
- Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a (outside back)
Returning players to the squad include prop Santo Taumata, who was part of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2022 winning squad, and centre Alena Saili, making her first appearance since 2018. Fullback Braxton Sorensen-McGee also joins, while loose forward Layla Sae returns after recovering from an ACL injury.
Hansen confirmed that players must compete in Super Rugby Aupiki to be eligible for the Black Ferns. This policy affected veterans Amy Rule and Alana Borland (née Bremner), who were not named in the squad due to their ongoing commitments in the Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) competition in the United Kingdom. Borland has re-signed for the PWR 2026/27 season, while Rule’s plans remain unconfirmed. Hansen stated that while exceptions can be made for injured players like Layla Sae, the general rule is that participation in the domestic competition is required for national team selection.
Some players, such as Maiakawanakaulani Roos, previously took up short-term injury cover contracts in the PWR and were still eligible for the Black Ferns. Roos has indicated her commitment to playing in New Zealand, aiming for the Lions tour next year and the Rugby World Cup in 2029. This case-by-case approach for short-term overseas stints remains an option for athletes.
Expanded Calendar and Upcoming Tests
The Super Rugby Aupiki competition also moved its schedule from March-April to a June-August window, aligning with an expanded international calendar. This change, according to Roos, allows for better pre-season preparation and stronger domestic games.
The Black Ferns are set for a busy end to 2026, with eight tests scheduled. Co-captain Ruahei Demant expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming test window, noting the high number of international matches outside of a Rugby World Cup year. The team has already played three tests in April, bringing their total international matches for 2026 to 11.
The squad will first play the Black Ferns XV on Friday in Upper Hutt. Following this, they will travel to Auckland to prepare for tests against Australia on August 22 for the O’Reilly Cup. The team will also face South Africa as part of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour and compete in the WXV Global series, where they are scheduled to play France, Scotland, and England.
Head Coach Whitney Hansen noted that the upcoming matches will allow the team to test their rugby identity and continue building towards the first-ever British and Irish Lions Women’s Tour next year. The Black Ferns will travel offshore from August 28 and return home from October 1 for their home tests against France.
Source: nzherald.co.nz
