Dream coming true: Renee Holmes one of nine test Black Fern debutantes

Named: Renee Holmes is to start at Full back when the Black Ferns take on England in the UK on Monday. File picture

RUGBY

When Renee Holmes made the Black Ferns Northern Tour squad she told the Gisborne Herald it had always been a dream to play for her country in front of her grandmother.

This morning, Holmes was named to start at fullback for her first test cap as the Black Ferns take on England in Exeter on Monday (NZ time).

After having not seen her grandmother for 15 years, Holmes said she didn’t know if she would ever see her again because of the Covid-19 pandemic before being named in the squad.

Holmes is one of nine test debutantes for the Black Ferns, after earning her Black Ferns cap number against the New Zealand Barbarians in a friendly game last year.

Te Araroa’s Te Kura Ngata-Arengamate has also been named in the starting team, earning her thirtieth test cap as hooker.

Speaking to the Gisborne Herald previously, Ngata-Arengamate said playing in Europe had been a highlight of her playing career.

They’re treated like stars, playing in front of over 17,000 fans, while in New Zealand they are relegated to play as a curtain-raiser in front of empty stands, she had said.

Gisborne’s Charmaine McMenamin was not selected in the touring squad due to injury. Coverage on Sky from 3.10am Monday.