Black Ferns Omit Ruby Tui as 33-Women Squad Named for Rugby World Cup Defence

Wellington, July 25, 2025 — The Black Ferns have named a 33-player squad to defend their Rugby World Cup title, with several notable inclusions and omissions sparking discussion among fans and analysts. One of the most surprising decisions is the exclusion of outside back Ruby Tui, a key player in the 2021 World Cup-winning team.

The squad, announced in Wellington, features a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, with 14 players making their World Cup debut. Among the experienced players are Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Theresa Setefano, and Stacey Waaka, who will be making their third appearances at the tournament.

Ruby Tui, who has only played once this season off the bench, was left out of the squad despite her past contributions. The selectors opted for other outside back threats, including Woodman-Wickliffe, Renee Holmes, Ayesha Leti-I’iga, Katelyn Vahaakolo, and Braxton Sorensen-McGee.

Other notable inclusions are veteran Kelly Brazier, who has earned a spot as the back-up first five-eighths alongside co-captain Ruahei Demant. Brazier, who has played only twice for the Black Ferns since 2021, was selected for her fourth World Cup bid. Lock Laura Bayfield and tighthead prop Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, both of whom have played only once for the team, also made the cut.

Veteran prop Krystal Murray was not named in the initial squad but has been included as a non-travelling reserve.

Black Ferns director of performance, Allan Bunting, praised the squad and acknowledged the difficult selection process. “We’ve got vast experience across our squad, with more than half of our players having competed at pinnacle events,” Bunting said. “While it’s an exciting time for those selected, I’d like to acknowledge the players who have missed out. Their contribution to the black jersey and to our team this year has been immense, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without them.”

The Black Ferns will begin their World Cup campaign against Spain on August 25, followed by matches against Japan on September 1 and Ireland on September 8. The quarter-finals are set to begin on September 14, with the final expected to be played at Twickenham on September 28.

Black Ferns Rugby World Cup squad:

• Props: Chryss Viliko, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Kate Henwood, Tanya Kalounivale, Amy Rule, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu.
• Hookers: Georgia Ponsonby, Atlanta Lolohea, Vici-Rose Green.
• Locks: Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Alana Bremner, Chelsea Bremner, Laura Bayfield.
• Loose forwards: Kennedy Tukuafu, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Jorja Miller, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Layla Sae.
• Halfbacks: Risileaana Pouri-Lane, Maia Joseph, Iritana Hohaia.
• First-fives: Ruahei Demant, Kelly Brazier.
• Midfield: Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai’i, Sylvia Brunt, Amy du Plessis, Stacey Waaka, Theresa Setefano.
• Outside backs: Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Ayesha Leti-I’iga, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Renee Holmes.
• Non-travelling reserve: Krystal Murray.

Black Ferns Rugby World Cup pool fixtures:

• V Spain: York Community Stadium, York. Monday, August 25, 4:30am.
• V Japan: Sandy Park, Exeter. Monday, September 1, 1am.
• V Ireland: Brighton and Hove Albion Stadium, Brighton. Monday, September 8, 1:45am.

The decision to exclude Tui has sparked debate among fans, with some questioning whether the team is sacrificing a proven performer for younger talent. However, Bunting emphasized that the depth and competition within the squad were factors in the difficult selection process.

The Black Ferns remain a formidable force in women’s rugby, and with a balanced mix of experience and emerging stars, they are well-positioned to defend their title in the upcoming World Cup.