NZ Under 21team named to play AustralianNext Gen
Anahera Hamahona has been named as captain of the inaugural New Zealand Under 21 women’s team to play Australian Next Gen at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch on Saturday.
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.
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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.
New Zealand Under 21 Head Coach Hayden Triggs said the squad were aware of the significance of the match.
“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, 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 said:
“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.”
The New Zealand Under 21 squad 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
