Black Ferns XV squad for historic South Africa tour announced

One of rugby’s ultimate rivalries takes a new step later this month with the first-ever New Zealand women’s team set to play on South African soil.

It will be New Zealand’s development side, the Black Ferns XV, who suit up for the two-match tour, and will be led by Bay of Plenty lock Holly Greenway.

Recently crowned Super Rugby Aupiki champion coach Willie Walker has been tasked with masterminding the tour, which features two contests at Athlone Stadium, Cape Town.

“The trial in Whangarei was an ideal build-up for this group and helpful in assessing players and combinations,” Walker said.

“We’ve selected a strong squad, and it’s a huge opportunity for these players to experience a touring environment and to play against a tier one international opponent.”

2025 Black Ferns XV squad

FORWARDS (16)

Hookers
Luka Connor (Chiefs Manawa/Bay of Plenty)
Grace Leaso Gago (Blues/Counties Manukau)
Jordan Tihore (Bay of Plenty)

Props
Marcelle Parkes (Matatu/Canterbury)
Cheyenne Tuli-Fale (Blues/Auckland)
Maddi Robinson (Matatu/Canterbury)
Ashley Palu (Matatu/Canterbury)
Harono Te Iringa (Blues/Counties Manukau)

Locks
Maama Vaipulu (Blues/Auckland)
Sam Taylor (Hurricanes Poua/Manawatu)
Holly Greenway (Blues/Bay of Plenty) (c)

Loose forwards
Taufa Bason (Blues/Manawatu)
Elinor-Plum King (Hurricanes Poua/Manawatu)
Fiaali’i Solomona (Matatu/Tasman)
Lucy Jenkins (Matatu/Canterbury)
Mia Anderson (Chiefs Manawa/ Waikato)

BACKS (12)

Halfbacks
Tara Turner (Blues/Northland)
Reese Anderson (Chiefs Manawa/Waikato)

First-five
Hannah King (Matatu/Canterbury)
Keira Su’a Smith (Hurricanes Poua/Wellington)

Midfield
Justine McGregor (Wellington)
Kelsey Teneti (Waikato)
Leilani Hakiwai (Hurricanes Poua/Hawke’s Bay)

Outside backs
Winnie Palamo (Matatu/Canterbury)
Hollyrae Mete-Renata (Matatu/Manawat?)
Jaymie Kolose (Blues/Counties Manukau)
Kaea Nepia (Matatu/Waikato)
Mererangi Paul (Chiefs Manawa/Counties Manukau)