Black Ferns XV squad named to play the Black Ferns
The 25-strong squad will assemble on Sunday, 9 August to prepare for a one-off fixture against the Black Ferns on Friday, 14 August.
- Black Ferns XV v Black Ferns, Friday, August 14, Maidstone Sports Park, Upper Hutt, Wellington, kick-off 3.30pm. The match will be livestreamed HERE.
“This is a strong squad that has a balance of talent and potential with a shared ambition of representing the Black Ferns,” Baxter said. “This fixture is a great opportunity for these players to experience what will look and feel like a Test week. It’s also a chance for us to establish a solid foundation for Black Ferns XV as we build towards the first-ever British & Irish Lions Women’s Series next year.”
The Black Ferns XV is an important part of the women’s professional rugby pathway. Nine players who represented the side in 2025 were named earlier today in the Black Ferns’ 31-strong squad, for the upcoming O’Reilly Cup Test, Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry match in South Africa and the WXV Global Series.
The 2026 squad reflects the depth of talent emerging through while also featuring a blend of international experience.
Five capped Black Ferns have been selected, alongside Taufa Bason and Sam Taylor who have previously been named in wider Black Ferns squads. Nine players in their debut season for Sky Super Rugby Aupiki have also been named, highlighting the continued growth of the women’s rugby pathway.
The Black Ferns XV squad to play the Black Ferns
Super Rugby Aupiki club, Provincial Union, * represents capped Black Fern)
Loosehead Props
Angel Mulu (Hurricanes Poua, Bay of Plenty)*
Amber Mundell (Chiefs Manawa, Waikato)
Hookers
Natalie Delamere (Matatū, Bay of Plenty)*
Holly Wratt-Groeneweg (Matatū, Canterbury)
Tighthead Props
Lonita Ngalu-Lavamai (Chiefs Manawa, Waikato)
Cilia-Marie Po’e-Tofaeono (Blues, Auckland)
Locks
Sam Taylor (Hurricanes Poua, Manawatū)
Paris Lokotui (Matatū, Canterbury)
Emma Dermody (Matatū, Canterbury)
Loose Forwards
Taufa Bason (Blues, Auckland)
Danny-Elle Fesolai (Blues, Auckland)
Leata Puni-Lio (Chiefs Manawa, Waikato)
Tafito Lafaele (Blues, Auckland)*
Sarah Jones (Matatū, Otago)
Inside Backs
Ariana Bayler (Chiefs Manawa, Waikato)*
Kelsyn McCook (Matatū, Canterbury)
Arene Landon Lane (Hurricanes Poua, Wellington)
Grace Brooker (Matatū, Canterbury)*
Hollyrae Mete-Renata (Blues, Auckland)
Kokako Raki (Hurricanes Poua, Bay of Plenty)
Outside Backs
Hinemarangi Scott (Hurricanes Poua, Waikato)
Wikitoria Viljoen, Hurricanes Poua, Manawatū
Winnie Palamo (Matatū, Canterbury)
Lialanie Muamua (Matatū, Canterbury)
Presayus Singh (Chiefs Manawa, Auckland)
Unavailable due to injury: Kaea Nepia (leg) and Fiaali’i Solomona (shoulder).
Black Ferns XV squad key facts:
- Previously named in wider Black Ferns squad (uncapped): Taufa Bason and Sam Taylor.
- Players named in their debut season for Sky Super Rugby Aupiki: Amber Mundell (Chiefs Manawa), Lonita Ngalu-Lavamai (Chiefs Manawa), Paris Lokotui (Matatū), Danny-Elle Fesolai (Blues), Hinemarangi Scott (Hurricanes Poua), Kokako Raki (Hurricanes Poua), Wikitoria Viljoen (Hurricanes Poua), Presayus Singh (Chiefs Manawa), Lialanie (Binky) Muamua (Matatū).
