New Zealand Under 21 team named to play Australia NextGen

The Rātana-born Manawatū openside will lead a team full of emerging talent with midfielders Ella Henderson and Naomi Sopoaga as her vice captains for what will be a historic international fixture for a New Zealand women’s age grade fifteens team.

A product of Cullinane College in Whanganui, Hamahona was the Manawatū Rookie of the Year in 2024 in her first year in the Farah Palmer Cup presented by Hilux and was part of the 2026 Hurricanes Poua squad in Sky Super Rugby Aupiki.

The New Zealand Under 21 team to play Australia NextGen is:

1. Wikitoria Rogers

2. Danny-Elle Fesolai

3. Amber Mundell

4. Sophie Kerr

5. Emily Dale

6. Zara Feaunati

7. Anahera Hamahona (captain)

8. Taufa Bason

9. Emacyn Ieremia

10. Rosie Moffitt

11. Lialanie Muamua

12. Ella Henderson (vice-captain)

13. Naomi Sopoaga (vice-captain)

14. Sariyah Paitai

15. Presayus Singh

Reserves:

16. Chrissy-Jon Leaoasavaii

17. Keiana Roffey

18. Faythe Finau

19. Hannah Taimalelagi

20. Mele Latu'ila

21. Malina Leatherby-Millar

22. Poppy Baxter

23. Keira Su'a-Smith

New Zealand Under 21 Head Coach Hayden Triggs:

“The players know they are going to become part of New Zealand rugby history on Saturday and that energy and excitement has been evident since we assembled in Christchurch. It’s a really proud moment for the players and their families and we’re collectively looking forward to what will be a special occasion for both teams.

“Our squad is young and talented but also has plenty of experience and Anahera, Naomi and Ella will have plenty of support with the majority of the squad having played Sky Super Rugby Aupiki and a number having worn the black jersey for the Black Ferns XV.”

Five players have represented the Black Ferns XV

Five players have represented the Black Ferns XV, Keira Su'a-Smith, Amber Mundell, Danny-Elle Fesolai, Lialanie Muamua and Presayus Singh, while No.8 Taufa Bason spent time in the Black Ferns environment ahead of the Pacific Four Series in March.

NZR Women's High Performance Pathways Manager Kendra Cocksedge:

“What’s been most impressive is how the group has shown up this week and how professional they’ve been in preparing for this match. Our provincial and Super rugby environments have done a great job progressing these athletes and now they’ve got an opportunity to collectively show New Zealand what our next generation of women’s players can do in the black jersey.”