Olympic gold medallist returns as Black Ferns Sevens eye SVNS glory

The Black Ferns Sevens have received a major boost ahead of the final two events of the HSBC SVNS World Championship in Valladolid and Bordeaux, with Olympic gold medallist Jazmin-Felix Hotham set to return from injury.

Felix-Hotham sustained a fractured foot during New Zealand’s run to the SVNS Vancouver title at two months ago, missing the regular season finale at New York’s Sports Illustrated Stadium and the fan favourite Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens.

New Zealand took out the SVNS Series regular season crown with their fifth Cup Final win in six tournaments, overcoming rivals Australia in a thriller. The Black Ferns Sevens carried that form into the World Championship, securing a four-peat at the Hong Kong Sevens.

The Black Ferns Sevens flew through pool play with a 3-0 run at Kai Tak Sports Park, before clinical wins in the quarter and semi-finals. For the seventh time this season, the New Zealanders faced the Aussies in the big dance, and it was the regular season champs who got the job done 19-14.

Coach Cory Sweneey has named a largely settled travelling squad ahead of SVNS Valladolid on May 29 to 31, with the inclusions of Felix-Hotham and Blues rising star Danii Mafoe coming into the group for the trip to Europe.

Risi Pouri-Lane captains a Black Ferns Sevens squad that includes Jorja Miller, who has taken out the RugbyPass Women’s SVNS Series MVP with two stops left. Miller has been voted the standout player on the circuit, with teammate Kelsey Teneti another shining light.

Stacey Waaka, Mahina Paul, Maia Davis, Alena Saili, Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Jaymie Kolose and Katelyn Vahaakolo add title-winning experience to the roster as well. Le-Oxeayn Maiu’u has been ruled out due to injury, while Dhys Faleafaga and Theresa Setefano are unavailable.

The Black Ferns Sevens start their campaign in Valladolid against SVNS 2 qualifiers Argentina, before rounding out pool play against Brazil and Japan. There are three pools of four teams, which sets up the path to title-winning glory, starting with the quarters.

 

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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
Braxton Sorensen-McGee
Danii Mafoe
Jaymie Kolose
Kelsey Teneti
Katelyn Vahaakolo