Black Ferns squad confirmed for Pacfic Four Series

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’re months away from the Rugby World Cup, 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 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)  

Player bios: 

Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu  

Date of birth: November 24, 2004 

Position: Loose Forward  

Province: Waikato 

Sky Super Rugby Aupiki club: Chiefs Manawa 

Black Ferns number: Uncapped  

Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu is an emerging powerhouse in New Zealand rugby known for her explosive ball-carrying skills. A product of Hamilton Girls’ High School, she excelled in multiple sports such as rugby, touch and netball having represented Waikato, the Cook Islands and New Zealand at youth levels.  

In 2024, she was part of the Waikato team that clinched the Farah Palmer Cup title, contributing a try in the final. Her dynamic performances earned her a post with Chiefs Manawa for the 2025 Sky Super Rugby Aupiki season where she continued to impress. Off the field, Veisinia is deeply committed to community services, volunteering weekly at ‘The Serve’ in Hamilton.  

Vici-Rose Green  

Date of birth: August 4, 2002  

Position: Hooker 

Province: Waikato