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‘Wanted to keep playing’: SVNS star Maddison Levi on Wallaroos debut
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Black Ferns Sevens forced into change after young star sidelined
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The Black Ferns Sevens will be without one of their stars for the next two HSBC SVNS Series World Championship events in Valladolid and Bordeaux.
2025’s World Rugby’s Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year Braxton Sorensen-McGee will not travel with the Black Ferns Sevens for the upcoming two events, nursing a concussion.
New Zealand Rugby provided an update on Monday morning, announcing Sorensen McGee will remain in the country due to HIA protocols.
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Three-Test Black Ferns back Justine McGregor has been called up, replacing the young star for the Valladolid and Bordeaux events in the next three weeks.
McGregor, who made her international debut at the Dubai Sevens in 2024, joins a stacked Kiwi squad for the two World Championship events, spearheaded by the likes of captain Risi Pouri-Lane and vice captain Jorja Miller.
Cory Sweeney’s side returns to the World Championship stage after taking out the SVNS Series regular season crown, with their fifth Cup Final win in six tournaments before clinching first-place in Hong Kong.
Danii Mafoe and the return of Jaxx Felix Hotham from injury are the major inclusions for Sweeney, for the tournaments in Europe, starting on May 29.
The Black Ferns Sevens will kickstart their Valladolid title search against Argentina, who recently qualified through SVNS 2.
Sweeney’s side will then take on Brazil and Japan in their final two games of the four-team pool.
Sorensen-McGee recently signed a new deal with the Black Ferns Sevens and New Zealand Rugby through to the end of 2027, saying her goals aligned with NZR’s offer.
“I’ve been loving my first season with the Black Ferns Sevens and the opportunity to play on the world series with my sevens’ sisters. This environment has helped me grow so much as a player and as a person, and I’m excited about what’s still ahead,” McGee said on an NZR statement.
“But I’ve also set some goals in fifteens and feel like I’ve got more to offer in the Blues and Black Ferns jerseys. I’m looking forward to challenging myself in both formats and doing everything I can to contribute to those teams.”
Black Ferns Sevens touring squad for SVNS Valladolid and Bordeaux
Manaia Nuku
Jorja Miller (VC)
Stacey Waaka
Mahina Paul
Risi Pouri-Lane (C)
Maia Davis
Alena Saili
Jazmin Felix-Hotham
Justine McGregor
Danii Mafoe
Jaymie Kolose
Kelsey Teneti
Katelyn Vahaakolo
