Mererangi Paul: 'The biggest thing I learned' from World Cup omission

Mererangi Paul has scored 14 tries in 14 Tests for the Black Ferns. In 2023, she was a nominee for World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year after scoring seven tries in five Tests and helping the Black Ferns retain the Pacific Four Series (PAC4) and Laurie O Reilly Trophy for Tests against Australia.

During Super Rugby Aupiki for Chiefs Manawa in 2025, she made more clean breaks than any player. She also ranked in the top 10 for most defenders beaten, metres gained, and offloads.

Despite helping the Black Ferns win the PAC4 in 2025, featuring in the 38-12 win against Australia and the 27-27 draw against Canada, she was overlooked for selection for the Rugby World Cup.

“I suffered an injury that knocked me out right before the World Cup selection timeframe,” Paul told RugbyPass.

“I wasn’t able to recover in time to put my best foot forward in the trials. Every position is competitive, so knowing that, it wasn’t as disappointing to miss out as it would have been if I were 100 per cent.

“I guess the biggest thing I learned was how to look after my body better: stretching, diet, recovery. I’m always growing my knowledge in those areas.”

Paul is back on the wing for the Black Ferns in their opening match of the 2026 PAC4 campaign against the USA in Sacramento. In her only previous international against the USA in Hamilton in 2024, Paul scored three tries in the first 16 minutes, made 16 carries, 131 run metres, four clean breaks, three offloads, and two try-saving tackles in a 57-5 romp.

“That was my first game for the Black Ferns at fullback, so it was a cool challenge working with Ruby Tui and Katelyn Vahaakolo in a different way than usual,” Paul reflected.

“I’ve played three positions. Centre is more physically demanding, with more upfront tackles and running directly at the line while looking to release those inside or outside you. Wing is the position I’m most comfortable in, as I’ve played there more than any other. Wing is about looking for and finishing opportunities. Fullback is more challenging because there is more space to cover and kicking. I enjoy expanding the possibilities of my play.”

Fixture

Pacific Four Series

USA Women

16:00

11 Apr 26

New Zealand Women

All Stats and Data

Paul’s third try in the USA 2024 Test, regathering a chip and chase, was spectacular. But had the bounce of the ball been unfavourable, she might have been labelled selfish with unmarked passing options available. She reflected at the time.

“I would never have heard the end of it… I got through the hole, eyed up the fullback, and thought why not take her on? When I reviewed the footage, I saw Ruby Tui was on my right. The pass would have been the easy option. Luckily, I did get the bounce.

“Ruby asked me afterwards, ‘did you hear me?’ but I was zoned into what I was thinking about in the moment.”

In the 41st minute, Paul could have scored a fourth try but generously handed the ball to Tui behind the goalposts.

The Black Ferns have historically dominated the USA, winning 15 of 16 Tests and outscoring the Eagles 783-114. In their last meeting in May 2025, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe scored seven tries in a 79-14 slaughter. What’s changed in the last year within the Black Ferns?

“It’s quite similar in that the new girls who come in always add new ideas and fresh energy, while the old girls try to make them feel welcome and raise the bar. It’s exciting to work alongside each other. I’m excited about what we can achieve,” answered Paul.

The Black Ferns have named an experienced starting XV for the USA clash, with co-captain Ruahei Demant set to become the most capped Black Ferns captain on 36 Tests (28 wins), surpassing Black Ferns legend Fiao’o Fa’amausili, who led for 35 matches and 29 wins between 2012 and 2018.

Loose forward Mia Anderson, halfback Tara Turner, and outside back Justine McGregor will debut from the bench.

Meanwhile, Paul has a strong track record in North America. In 2023, she scored two tries in the Black Ferns 52-21 victory against Canada in Ottawa. The win was the Black Ferns’ 100th in Tests and sealed the PAC4 title. She also scored a try in Vancouver in the Black Ferns’ 27-29 loss to Ireland in 2024.

One of seven siblings, Paul was raised in Whakatane in the Bay of Plenty. Mother Raywine raised the kids while Roger worked in roading and demolition.

Paul was an accomplished netball player initially at Trident High School and then at St Kentigern College in Auckland. In 2017, she was contracted professionally by the Northern Mystics and played alongside Silver Ferns Anna Harrison and Maria Folau. However, Paul conceded she wasn’t up to scratch and, like her younger sister, Black Ferns Sevens representative Mahina, migrated to rugby.

“Mahina and I don’t talk much about rugby. We just check on each other all the time as sisters. It’s awesome to see how she’s been going this year. She’s worked really hard and made some shifts in her game, which is starting to pay off,” Paul said.