Taufa Bason (left), from Marton, and Hollyrae Mete-Renata, from Rātana, have been named in the Black Ferns squad for the Pacific Four Series (PAC4) starting next month. Photo / NZ Rugby
Taufa Bason (left), from Marton, and Hollyrae Mete-Renata, from Rātana, have been named in the Black Ferns squad for the Pacific Four Series (PAC4) starting next month. Photo / NZ Rugby
Black Ferns debuts are on the cards for Rangitīkei’s Hollyrae Mete-Renata and Taufa Bason after being named in the 30-strong squad for the Pacific Four Series.
The pair have been selected in head coach Whitney Hansen’s first Black Ferns squad for 2026, which is set to face the United States,Canada and Australia in the Pacific Four Series (PAC4).
They join six other potential debutantes, with Bason, 19, one of three teenagers named for the first time.
Hollyrae Mete-Renata
Mete-Renata, 22, plays for the Manawatū Cyclones and the Blues as a midfielder and can play wing.
After a stint with the Hurricanes Poua in 2024, she ventured south to play for Matatū the following year, which she said was a big move.
“There was a lot of thinking into it. After speaking with Whitney [Hansen] and my dad, it was best for me to go down there and get out of my comfort zone of being at home to experience new things.
“Having the opportunity to go down there was really helpful for me, and I loved it.”
She said it was beneficial for her to learn from experienced players in her position, such as Amy du Plessis and Grace Brooker.
She was rewarded with a call-up to the Black Ferns XV side last year, which she said was a “great experience”.
