Whitney Hansen names eight new faces in Black Ferns Pacific Four squad

New Black Ferns head coach Whitney Hasnen has named a new look squad for the upcoming Pacific Four Series, bringing in eight new faces, alongside 22 capped internationals.

20 of the 30-player squad were part of Allan Bunting’s Women’s Rugby World Cup group in England back in 2025, while nine players featured in Hansen’s inaugural 2023 Black Ferns XV team.

The eight uncapped players include impressive young props Maddison Robinson and Mo’omo’oga Palu, while the loose-forward duo of Waikato’s Mia Anderson and Manawatu’s Taufa Bason join Hansen’s squad for the Pacific Four Series.

There’s one new halfback in the 30-player squad, with 22-year-old Northland playmaker Tara Turner joining Maia Joseph as the other No.9 in Hansen’s squad.

Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a and Justine McGregor also make their first Black Ferns squad, as Manawatu midfielder Hollyrae Mete-Renata is paired with Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt and Amy Du Plessis in the midfield group.

Five players who don’t currently play in Super Rugby Aupiki, Black Ferns co-captain Ruahei Demant, Tanya Kalounivale, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Maiakawanakaulani Roos and Georgia Ponsonby are all picked in the squad, where they will travel from England to join the squad in USA.

All five have been playing in England’s PWR competition, which is scheduled to be finished in June.

For Ponsonby, she has been granted an eligibility exemption by the NZR Board, due to Hansen having a number of injuries at hooker.

The 39-year-old head coach, daughter of former All Blacks head coach Steve, explained that her squad is filled with experience and talent, who have worked hard during the off-season camps.

“Firstly, I’d like to congratulate those who have been selected in the Black Ferns for the first time and their whanau,” Hansen said in a statement.

“The past few months have been highly competitive in camp, and this is a testament to all the work they’ve put in throughout the women’s rugby pathway to get to this moment.

“We’ve got a great mix of experience in this squad, and we can’t wait for our fresh talent to experience their first Black Ferns Test environment.

“We’re excited to begin our year of an 11-Test calendar, the most-ever games yet for our Black Ferns. PAC4 is a great starting point and provides us with a chance to go and test our game against some of the best in the world.”

Black Ferns Pacific Four Series squad 2026 is (Age, Provincial Union, Test caps):

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)
Chelsea Bremner (30, Canterbury, 24 Tests)
Maiakawanakaulani Roos (24, Auckland, 38 Tests)
Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu (23, Auckland, 7 Tests)

Loose forwards
Mia Anderson (24, Waikato, uncapped)
Taufa Bason (19, Manawatu, uncapped)
Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (24, Auckland, 35 Tests)
Kaipo Olsen-Baker (23, Manawatu, 16 Tests)
Kennedy Tukuafu (29, Waikato, 34 Tests) – co-captain

Halfbacks 
Maia Joseph (23, Otago, 16 Tests)
Tara Turner (22, Northland, uncapped)

First-fives
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, Manawatu, uncapped)

Outside backs
Renee Holmes (26, Waikato, 29 Tests)
Ayesha Leti-I’iga (27, Wellington, 30 Tests)
Justine McGregor (19, Black Ferns Sevens) 
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).

Wider training group remaining in camp: Ariana Bayler, Leilani Hakiwai, Marcelle Parkes, Elinor-Plum King, Cilia-Marie Po’e-Tofaeono, Sam Taylor, Holly Wratt-Groeneweg.