Black Ferns make squad changes for home series v France
Black Ferns selectors have made three changes to the End-of-Year squad for the upcoming WXV Global Series at home in October, proudly supported by the New Zealand Government’s Events Boost Fund.
Brooker joins the squad after last featuring for the Black Ferns in a 39-17 win over the USA in 2023 and a 2025 season in the AFL Women’s with the Essendon Bombers in Melbourne.
Returning home to New Zealand earlier this year, she led Matatū to the Sky Super Rugby Aupiki 2026 final against the Blues, before leading the Black Ferns XV campaign that took on the Black Ferns in a one-off fixture at Maidstone Park in August.
Her inclusion comes off the back of midfielder Alena Saili and fullback Maia Davis departing the group after the Northern tour to fulfil their commitments with the Black Ferns Sevens.
Black Ferns Head Coach Whitney Hansen said
“Grace brings a real level of diligence and experience to the group. Her understanding of the game combined with her ability to lead are invaluable, particularly when it comes to preparing the team and challenging those around her to be better. We’re looking forward to having her back in the environment.”
Ruahei Demant and Mia Anderson to remain with Black Ferns squad
Black Ferns captain Ruahei Demant and loose forward Mia Anderson, who sustained calf injuries during the Northern Tour, will remain with the squad. Demant is progressing well and has begun integrating into training, while Anderson’s return to play timeline is yet to be determined.
First-five eighth Arene Landon-Lane, who was called in as injury cover for Demant, has also been released from the squad and is available for selection for Wellington in the Championship Final in the Farah Palmer Cup, presented by Hilux.
The Black Ferns are gearing up to play their first of three Tests against France, with the first match set for next Saturday, October 17 kicking off at 3.05pm NZT at FMG Stadium, Waikato.
All three matches will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sport, buy tickets here.
Black Ferns End-of-Year squad (Home WXV Global Series v France)
(Age, Sky Super Rugby Aupiki club, Provincial Union, Test caps):
Loosehead Props
- Chryss Viliko (25, Blues, Auckland, 25)
- Maddison Robinson (25, Matatū, Canterbury, 8)
- Ngano Tavake (25, Hurricanes Poua, Manawatū, 1)
Hookers
- Vici-Rose Green (24, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 9)
- Atlanta Lolohea (23, Blues, Canterbury, 14)
- Georgia Ponsonby (26, Matatū, Canterbury, 45)
Tighthead Props
- Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (21, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 11)
- Mo’omo’oga Palu (25, Hurricanes Poua, Hawke’s Bay, 2)
- Santo Taumata (23, Matatū, Bay of Plenty, 11)
Locks
- Maiakawanakaulani Roos (25, Blues, Auckland, 46)
- Laura Bayfield (27, Matatū, Canterbury, 12)
- Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu (23, Blues, Auckland, 15)
- Amarante Sititi (19, Blues, Auckland, 3)
Loose forwards
- Mia Anderson (24, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 7)
- Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (24, Blues, Auckland, 43)
- Kaipo Olsen-Baker (24, Matatū, Manawatū, 21)
- Elinor-Plum King (22, Matatū, Manawatū, 5)
- Layla Sae (25, Hurricanes Poua, Manawatū, 22)
Halfbacks
- Maia Joseph (24, Matatū, Otago, 24)
- Tara Turner (22, Blues, Northland, 7)
First-five eighths
- Ruahei Demant (31, Blues, Auckland, 56)
- Hannah King (22, Matatū, Canterbury, 18)
Midfield
- Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt (22, Blues, Auckland, 37)
- Justine McGregor (20, Chiefs Manawa, Black Ferns Sevens, 7)
- Amy Du Plessis (27, Matatū, Canterbury, 30)
- Grace Brooker (27, Matatū, Canterbury, 5)
Outside backs
- Ayesha Leti-I’iga (27, Hurricanes Poua, Wellington, 36)
- Mererangi Paul (27, Blues, Counties Manukau, 21)
- Braxton Sorensen-McGee (19, Blues, Black Ferns Sevens, 14)
- Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a (20, Chiefs Manawa, 3)
