Black Ferns Announce 33-Player Squad for 2025 Rugby World Cup

The Black Ferns, New Zealand's esteemed women's rugby team, have officially announced their 33-player squad to compete in the upcoming 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, taking place in England next month. The announcement was made during a special event held in Wellington, where former Black Fern Honey Hireme-Smiler introduced the team in front of family and supporters.

Coaches Allan Bunting, Tony Christie, Steve Jackson, Dan Cron, and Riki Flutey have meticulously selected a balanced squad comprising 19 forwards and 14 backs. The detailed positional breakdown includes seven props, three hookers, four locks, five loose forwards, three halfbacks, two first five-eighths, four midfielders, and five outside backs. Notably, Kelly Brazier is set to participate in her fourth World Cup, while several players including Portia Woodman-Wickliffe and Theresa Setefano will make their third appearances.

Among the promising talents is 18-year-old Braxton Sorensen-McGee, marking her first World Cup, alongside newcomer Laura Bayfield, who debuted in the final Test against Australia. The squad also features World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year Jorja Miller and halfback Risaleaana Pouri-Lane, both of whom have transitioned impressively to the fifteens format.

Allan Bunting, the Black Ferns Director of Performance, expressed his enthusiasm for the selected players, stating, "On behalf of the coaching group, I’d like to congratulate all our players named tonight in front of their whānau. We are really excited about this group and truly believe they can take us to the next level." Bunting highlighted the depth of experience within the squad, noting that more than half have competed at significant international events.

While celebrating the selected players, Bunting acknowledged those who were not included in the final squad, emphasizing their valuable contributions to the team’s success. He remarked, "The level of depth and internal competition we have seen from our wider squad made the selection process very difficult; however, this speaks to the growth and exciting future of women’s rugby in Aotearoa."

The Black Ferns will commence their final training camp in Wellington before departing for England on August 13. Their Pool C matches will commence against Spain on August 25, followed by games against Japan on September 1 and Ireland on September 8.

The full squad, including players’ ages, Super Rugby clubs, provincial unions, and test caps, showcases a blend of experience and youthful vigor, setting the stage for a competitive tournament. This World Cup will not only be a test of skill but also signifies the ongoing evolution of women’s rugby, particularly in New Zealand where the sport continues to gain momentum and recognition on the global stage.

As anticipation builds for the tournament, the Black Ferns are determined to defend their title and inspire a new generation of rugby players. The 2025 Rugby World Cup stands as a pivotal opportunity to showcase the talent and dedication of women athletes in rugby, further solidifying the sport's presence on the world stage.