Portia Woodman-Wickliffe returns for her third World Cup. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Black Ferns coach Allan Bunting has named his squad for the upcoming World Cup, with a settled looking 32 players set to defend their title. Despite a call up for the Black Ferns' last test, Ruby Tui has missed out on a place in the highly competitive outside back group.
Unsurprisingly, all available Black Ferns Sevens players have been selected, with Jorja Miller's inclusion creating an intriguing situation in the loose forward mix. Co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu is seemingly assured of a starting spot, so how Miller fits in the remaining starting spots will be interesting.
35-year-old Kelly Brazier will play in her fourth World Cup after earning a late lifeline against the Wallaroos earlier this month, which was her first test since 2021. Brazier - who has played 44 tests across a 16-year career - could be playing her fifth World Cup but missed the 2022 tournament due to being in the Black Ferns Sevens side.
Lock Laura Bayfield makes the squad after debuting earlier this month, she joins Maiakawanakaulani Roos, and Alana and Chelsea Bremner.
Fellow Sevens stars Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Theresa Setefano (Fitzpatrick) and Stacey Waaka return for their third World Cup. Woodman-Wickliffe wasn't even supposed to be available after retiring last year and then signalling intentions to play in the NRLW, however the lure of the black jersey and another title has proven be too strong.
Portia Woodman-Wickliffe of New Zealand during the O’Reilly Cup - New Zealand Black Ferns v Australia. Photo: Masanori Udagawa/Photosport
Tukuafu is joined in the leadership by Ruahei Demant, with the Blues first five coming off back-to-back Super Rugby Aupiki titles.
This will be a challenging campaign for the Black Ferns, with England hot favourites going into their home World Cup. The tournament kicks off on 23 August when the hosts take on USA in the tournament opener, with the Black Ferns facing Spain, Japan and Ireland in their pool matches.
Black Ferns Rugby World Cup 2025 squad
Loosehead props: Kate Henwood, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Chryss Viliko
Hookers: Atlanta Lolohea, Vici-Rose Green, Georgia Ponsonby
Tighthead props: Tanya Kalounivale, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Amy Rule
Locks: Laura Bayfield, Alana Bremner, Chelsea Bremner, Maiakawanakaulani Roos
Loose forwards: Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, Jorja Miller, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Layla Sae, Kennedy Tukuafu (cc)
Halfbacks: Iritana Hohaia, Maia Joseph, Risaleaana Pouri-Lane
First five-eighths: Kelly Brazier, Ruahei Demant (cc)
Midfielders: Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai'i Sylvia Brunt, Amy du Plessis, Theresa Setefano, Stacey Waaka
Outside backs: Renee Holmes, Ayesha Leti-I'iga, Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe
Non-travelling reserve: Krystal Murray
The Black Ferns Rugby World Cup 2025 squad. Photo: RNZ / Bridget Tunnicliffe
Black Ferns World Cup schedule
Black Ferns v Spain
Kick-off: 4:30am Sunday 24 August
York Community Stadium, York
Black Ferns v Japan
Kick-off: 1am Sunday 31 August
Sandy Park, Exeter
Black Ferns v Ireland
Kick-off: 1:45am Sunday 7 September
Brighton & Hove Albion Stadium, Brighton
Quarter-finals: 14-15 September
Semi-finals: 20-21 September
Final: 28 September
