Black Ferns call in replacement 2 days after losing Amy du Plessis

The Black Ferns have drafted in outside back Mererangi Paul as injury cover for Amy du Plessis, who has been ruled out of the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England with a shoulder injury.

Du Plessis sustained the injury in New Zealand’s opening pool match against Spain and will take no further part in the tournament.

“We’re all feeling for Amy as she leaves the squad, but she can be extremely proud of the contribution she’s made to our campaign, and we’ve made sure she’s felt our support over the past 24 hours,” said Black Ferns Director of Performance Allan Bunting.

“At the same time, it’s a special moment for Mererangi and her whanau for her to get the call and we will welcome her into the squad. She’s a talented Black Fern who has Test match experience and covers the midfield. She will bring a lot to the environment.”

The 171cm, 71kg finisher has played 12 Tests since her debut against Australia in 2023.

A former professional netballer, she made a rapid impact in rugby, crossing seven times in her first five Tests and earning a nomination for World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year.

She scored twice on debut in Brisbane as the Black Ferns thumped the Wallaroos 50-0. It was their biggest win over their trans-Tasman rivals since 1997.

Raised in Whakatane as one of seven siblings, Paul attended St Kentigern College in Auckland before excelling in sevens and earning selection for Counties Manukau in the Farah Palmer Cup.

She scored seven tries in 10 appearances for the side.

She joined Chiefs Manawa for Super Rugby Aupiki in 2022 and has since become a semi-regular fixture in the Black Ferns outside backs.