Things are different for the Black Ferns in 2026.
A new coaching staff, a host of new faces in the first squad of the season and starting the year with test rugby before they’ve had a chance to run out for their Super Rugby Aupiki teams.
There have been plenty of changes since the side finished third at last year’s Rugby World Cup but perhaps the schedule for 2026 stands out.
This will be the busiest year the Black Ferns have had for some time – they are set to play 11 tests. That starts on Sunday against the United States in California in round one of the Pacific Four Series. They will also host France, visit South Africa and embark on a three-test Northern Tour, the exact details of which are yet to be announced.
“That’s pretty special and you can only move forth from there,” Black Ferns co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu told the Herald.
“It’s hard obviously being in New Zealand where [it’s] an isolated part of the world. So being able to go up against the likes of South Africa, you know, that’s something that I’m looking forward to for this team. That’ll be awesome and then yeah, the French coming over for that three-test tour will be awesome.”
The Black Ferns embark on the Pacific Four Series this month in their first assignment since Whitney Hansen took over as head coach.
With nine uncapped players in the squad for the series, the Black Ferns start the new World Cup cycle looking to build.
“We’ve tried to sort of refine our DNA and look at new styles of rugby. We’ve got a lot of talent in our team and it’s just trying to find the balance; getting the right people in the right places. It’s been a lot,” Tukuafu said.
“Whit [Hansen] has been awesome. She’s put a huge emphasis on connection off-field, so then it transfers on-field, which we’ve seen great results from already. So, I think the team’s just really ready to go out and put on a great performance.”
While the Black Ferns will welcome back a number of players who have been involved in the Premiership Women’s Rugby competition in England, the majority of the squad have little rugby under their belts coming into the Pacific Four Series.
With that in mind, Tukuafu said – outside of winning the series title – there was a clear idea of what a successful month looked like for the team.
“For us, it’s about putting together a great performance. So, you know, making sure that our attack’s on fire, like, getting everybody to showcase their skillsets. On defence, we want to put on big hits, dominate collisions and, you know, just be really disciplined in that area. Then for the rest of the game, it’s just about giving girls confidence to try something, seeing space and just using instinct to drive our game.”
USA v New Zealand. Sacramento, California. Sunday April 12, 11am.
Canada v New Zealand. Kansas City, Missouri. Saturday April 18, 10.15am.
Australia v New Zealand. Sunshine Coast, Queensland. Saturday April 25. 9.45pm.
All times are NZT.
Loosehead props
Maddison Robinson (24, Canterbury, uncapped)
Awhina Tangen-Wainohu (28, Waikato, 10 tests)
Chryss Viliko (25, Auckland, 19 tests)
Hookers
Vici-Rose Green (23, Waikato, 5 tests)
Atlanta Lolohea (22, Canterbury, 10 tests)
Georgia Ponsonby (26, Canterbury, 37 tests)
Tighthead props
Tanya Kalounivale (27, Waikato, 27 tests)
Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (21, Waikato, 3 tests)
Mo’omo’oga Palu (24, Hawke’s Bay, uncapped)
Locks
Laura Bayfield (27, Canterbury, 6 tests)
Sam Taylor (23, Manawatū, uncapped)
Maiakawanakaulani Roos (24, Auckland, 38 tests)
Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu (23, Auckland, 7 tests)
Loose forwards
Mia Anderson (24, Waikato, uncapped)
Taufa Bason (19, Manawatū, uncapped)
Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (24, Auckland, 35 tests)
Kaipo Olsen-Baker (23, Manawatū, 16 tests)
Kennedy Tukuafu (29, Waikato, 34 tests) – co-captain
Halfbacks
Maia Joseph (23, Otago, 16 tests)
Tara Turner (22, Northland, uncapped)
First five-eighths
Ruahei Demant (30, Auckland, 51 tests) – co-captain
Hannah King (22, Canterbury, 10 tests)
Midfield
Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt (22, Auckland, 29 tests)
Amy Du Plessis (26, Canterbury, 22 tests)
Hollyrae Mete-Renata (22, Manawatū, uncapped)
Outside backs
Renee Holmes (26, Waikato, 29 tests)
Ayesha Leti-I’iga (27, Wellington, 30 tests)
Justine McGregor (19, Black Ferns Sevens, uncapped)
Mererangi Paul (27, Counties Manukau, 14 tests)
Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a (19, Waikato, uncapped)
Unavailable for selection: Luka Connor (knee), Kaea Nepia (leg), Layla Sae (knee), Santo Taumata (knee), Chelsea Bremner (knee).
Wider training group remaining in camp: Ariana Bayler, Leilani Hakiwai, Marcelle Parkes, Elinor-Plum King, Cilia-Marie Po’e-Tofaeono, Holly Wratt-Groeneweg.
Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits.