Black Ferns named for home French Tests
Three changes to the Black Ferns squad for the upcoming WXV Global Series at home in October including the return of midfielder Grace Brooker.
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.
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Back 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 is pleased to have her back in the squad.
“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.”
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.
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.
Black Ferns End-of-Year squad (Home WXV Global Series v France) is (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)
