Lolohea named for potential debut alongside 8 other Matatū players v Australia

Nine 2024 Matatū players have been named in the 30-strong Black Ferns squad to contest the O’Reilly Cup versus Australia.

They are: Phillipa Love, Atlanta Lolohea, Georgia Ponsonby, Amy Rule, Alana Bremner, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Lucy Jenkins, Maia Joseph, and Amy du Plessis.

Four of the group were crowned world champions at the 2021 Rugby World Cup (played in 2022) (Ponsonby, Rule, Bremner and du Plessis) while two secured their first Black Ferns contract this year (Lolohea, Joseph).

Lucy Jenkins has been named in her first Test squad of the year, while loosehead prop Love and expected debutant Lolohea have earnt their call-up after providing injury cover during the Pacific Four Series. Olsen-Baker has played five Black Ferns tests and returns to the squad this year after some time away injured.

Allan Bunting, Black Ferns Director of Rugby, said consistency within the squad has made for a competitive selection process.

“We wanted to see consistency within our squad to prepare to face Australia, but also wanted to ensure those who missed out on the Pacific Four Series had their opportunity to put their best foot forward,” Bunting said.

The Black Ferns squad will assemble on Monday 1 July in Auckland, before departing for Brisbane, Australia on Sunday 7 July ahead of their O’Reilly Cup Test against Australia on Sunday 14 July.

O’Reilly Cup Schedule
Black Ferns v Australia, 25 May, North Harbour Stadium AUCKLAND. Result: 67-19.
Black Ferns vs Australia, Sunday 14 July, 2.00pm (AEST), 4.00pm (NZT), Ballymore Stadium, BRISBANE