Women’s Rugby World Cup training squad named

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The wider Black Ferns training squad has been named today, as preparations for August’s Women’s Rugby World Cup ramp up.

The 51-strong squad will be part of a regional training programme designed to identify and develop the best players in the country.

In 2016 the Black Ferns were unbeaten in both their home series against Australia, and away series against Canada, England and Ireland.

Black Ferns Coach Glenn Moore said the Women’s World Cup in Ireland and Northern Ireland was the focus for 2017.

“We’ll be making World Cup selections from this wider training group. With an Olympic medal-winning sevens team and a growing provincial tournament there’s a lot of talent out there and the number of women with the black jersey in their sights is on the rise. We want to make sure we take the strongest squad possible to the World Cup.”

The squad features all 2016 Black Ferns and includes Black Ferns Linda Itunu, Justine Lavea, Lesley Ketu and Stacey Waaka who are all returning from injury.

Black Ferns trials will take place in mid-May.

Details of an international home series in June will be announced in the coming weeks.

2017 Black Ferns Women’s Rugby World Cup training squad

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