Mererangi Paul Called Into Black Ferns RWC Squad as Injury Cover

· ALLBLACKS.COM
ARCH203488 00191057
Outside back Mererangi Paul has joined the Black Ferns Women’s Rugby World Cup squad in England as injury replacement for Amy du Plessis.

Du Plessis was ruled out of the tournament with a shoulder injury that was sustained in round one of pool play v Spain. 

Black Ferns Director of Performance Allan Bunting said:

“We’re all feeling for Amy as she leaves the squad, but she can be extremely proud of the contribution she’s made to our campaign, and we’ve made sure she’s felt our support over the past 24 hours. At the same time, it’s a special moment for Mererangi and her whānau for her to get the call and we will welcome her into the squad. She’s a talented Black Fern who has Test match experience and covers the midfield. She will bring a lot to the environment.”

Mererangi Paul bio:

Mererangi Paul (Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāti Awa) has played 12 Tests for the Black Ferns since making her debut against Australian in 2023. A nominee for World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year she was a professional netball player before crossing over to rugby where she her talent has transferred into the outside backs.

In 2023, she was a nominee for World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year after scoring seven tries in five Tests and helping the Black Ferns retain the Pacific Four and Laurie O Reilly Trophy against Australia.

On debut against the Wallaroos in Brisbane, Paul scored two tries in a 50-0 victory - the Black Ferns biggest against Australia since 1997.

One of seven siblings she was raised in Whakatāne and schooled at St Kentigern College in Auckland she initially played sevens before joining Counties Manukau where she scored 7 tries in 10 games in the Bunnings Farah Palmer Cup. In 2022 she was selected to the Chiefs Manawa in Super Rugby Aupiki.

Rugby World Cup Semi-Final: Black Ferns v Canada, Ashton Gate, Bristol, Friday, 19 September, 7pm UK time (Saturday 20 September, 6am NZT). Watch live on Sky Sport NZ.

LATEST NEWS

View all
Hurting All Blacks Look to Channel Lessons Into Bledisloe Cup Clash
Owning their record 43-10 loss to South Africa, the All Blacks and their coaches will focus on key areas for action and improvement in the lead-up to next week's Bledisloe Cup Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship Test against Australia in Auckland.
World’s best set for Rugby World Cup Semi-finals
The four highest-ranked teams in women’s rugby will contest the semi-finals of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, with England, Canada, New Zealand and France all advancing after a thrilling weekend of quarter-final action in Exeter and Bristol.
Finals Picture Clears: Otago v Northland Locked, Premiership Heavyweights Advance
Otago and Northland will contest the Championship final, while three of the four Premiership semi-finalists have been found.

Canterbury Survive Tasman Scare to Keep Ranfurly Shield
Canterbury might be seven points clear in the Bunnings NPC after Round 7 but they were given a 31-25 shake-up by Tasman before they could retain the Ranfurly Shield.
Olsen-Baker Stars as Black Ferns through to Final Four
The Black Ferns overcame a fierce and innovative first-half assault from South Africa to secure a 46-17 victory in their Rugby World Cup quarterfinal at Sandy Park in Exeter.

South Africa clinical in the capital
South Africa unleashed a frightening potential vision of their future with a dominant display to beat the All Blacks 43–10 in their Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship Test in Wellington on Saturday.
Flashback to 2010: Black Ferns Look to Repeat History Against South Africa
History is about to be written once again.
New Faces, Old Foes: All Blacks v Springboks Test Preview
Incentives haven't lessened for the All Blacks in their preparation for their second Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship outing against South Africa in Wellington on Saturday.
Black Ferns set to take on South Africa in Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final
Black Ferns coaches have selected their match-day 23 to play South Africa this Saturday (1.00pm BST/Sunday, 12.00am NZT) at Sandy Park in Exeter.

All Blacks team named to play South Africa in Wellington
The All Blacks selectors have named their team to play South Africa at Wellington’s Sky Stadium this Saturday night.

Richie McCaw’s Inspiration Fuels All Blacks Ahead of Freedom Cup Clash
South Africa may have made full-scale changes for the second Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship Test against the All Blacks in Wellington, but midfield back Quinn Tupaea expects another tough contest.
Sorenson-McGee Headlines Black Ferns’ Attack Ahead of Quarterfinals
Pool play at the 2025 Rugby World Cup wrapped up with the Black Ferns producing some standout individual performances, led by 18-year-old fullback Braxton Sorenson-McGee.
Fantasy Rugby Championship Round 3: Wallaby Magic and Barrett Brilliance
Round 3 of the Fantasy Rugby Championship was one for the highlight reels, with Australia’s dramatic comeback against Argentina in Townsville and another classic clash at Eden Park setting the stage for some massive fantasy performances.
Freedom Cup on the Line: Robertson Welcomes South Africa’s Bold Team Call
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson was not surprised by the wholesale changes made by South Africa for the second Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship Test in Wellington on Saturday.
Semi-Final Contenders Emerge as Heavyweights Flex Muscle
The best and the rest are starting to form after five rounds of the Farah Palmer Cup.
“Reset Back to Zero” – All Blacks Eye Freedom Cup in Capital Clash
Having completed their first task with a 24-17 win over South Africa in the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship at Eden Park, the All Blacks now look to Wellington to secure the Freedom Cup and key points in the Championship on Saturday.
Black Ferns top Pool C with Statement Win over Ireland
The Black Ferns have qualified top of Pool C for the Rugby World Cup quarter finals, outmuscling Ireland 40-0 in boisterous Brighton.
Canterbury Claim Shield and Stay Unbeaten in Round 6
Canterbury flogged Southland 54-14 to claim the Ranfurly Shield and remain the only unbeaten side in the Bunnings NPC after the sixth round over the weekend.
Savea’s 100th Test Heroics Seal All Blacks’ Eden Park Triumph
Flanker Ardie Savea has pulled off many crucial turnovers, but his effort after 78 minutes in his 100th Test was vital to New Zealand's 24-17 win over South Africa in a pulsating Lipovital-D Rugby Championship Test in Auckland.
Black Ferns select strong 23 against Ireland in the Women’s Rugby World Cup
The Black Ferns are gearing up for their final pool match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup against Ireland at Brighton and Hove Stadium on Sunday, September 7, 2.45pm BST kick-off, (Monday, September 8, 1.45am NZT).