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Veteran Black Ferns named for O'Reilly Cup

Updated: Jul 1

Chelsea Bremner is one of the returnees to the Black Ferns O'Reilly Cup squad
Black Ferns lock Chelsea Bremner returns to the squad to face Australia in the O'Reilly Cup test. PHOTO: DAVE LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY

The Black Ferns have named a consistent and experienced 30-player squad to play the O'Reilly Cup test in Australia.


Lock Chelsea Bremner and loose forward Lucy Jenkins have been named in their first Test squad for the 2024 season.


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Experienced loosehead prop Phillipa Love, and hopeful debutant Atlanta Lolohea have once again earnt their call-up after providing injury cover during the Pacific Four Series.


Chiefs Manawa loose forward Mia Anderson is named in the Black Ferns squad for the first time, following a blockbusting Super Rugby Aupiki season and impressive showing in Black Ferns camps.


Anderson joins the side with the absence of Black Ferns co-captain Kennedy Simon, who has been sidelined with an ankle injury.


The Black Ferns thrashed Australia 67-19 in May at North Harbour Stadium.



Black Ferns director of rugby Allan Bunting said consistency within the squad had made for a competitive selection process.


"We wanted to see consistency within our squad to prepare to face Australia, but also wanted to ensure those who missed out on the Pacific Four Series had their opportunity to put their best foot forward.


We have a few injuries, but we have a competitive group of wāhine who are eager to step up and take ownership of the chance they are given," said Bunting.


"We know that Australia will be continuing to adapt and improve with their new coaching group. We expect they will be well supported by their whānau and fans to deliver a strong performance in Brisbane. We are excited for that challenge and provides us with another test to prepare ahead of our England test and WXV1 tournament."


The Black Ferns squad will assemble in Auckland, before departing for Brisbane on Sunday ahead of their O'Reilly Cup test against Australia on Sunday, July 14.


BLACK FERNS SQUAD


Loosehead Props: Aldora Itunu, Chryss Viliko, Phillipa Love


Hookers: Atlanta Lolohea, Georgia Ponsonby, Luka Connor


Tighthead props: Amy Rule, Tanya Kalounivale


Locks: Alana Bremner, Chelsea Bremner, Maama Mo'onia Vaipulu, Maiakawanakaulani Roos


Loose Forwards: Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Layla Sae, Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, Lucy Jenkins, Mia Anderson


Halfbacks: Iritana Hohaia, Maia Joseph


First-fives: Hannah King, Ruahei Demant


Midfielders: Amy du Plessis, Grace Steinmetz, Logo-i-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai'i (Sylvia) Brunt, Monica Tagoai


Outside backs: Katelyn Vahakoolo, Mererangi Paul, Patricia Maliepo, Renee Holmes, Ruby Tui


Unavailable for selection: Awhina Tangen Wainohu (neck), Charmaine Smith (back), Grace Leaso Gago (neck), Kate Henwood (shoulder), Kennedy Simon (ankle), Marcelle Parkes (knee), Santo Taumata (knee), Sophie Fisher (neck)

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