Matatū players in Black Ferns PAC4 squad
Seven Matatū players have made the Black Ferns squad to face USA, Canada and Australia in the Pacific Four Series which kicks off next weekend in Hamilton.
They are Marcelle Parkes, Georgia Ponsonby, Amy Rule, Alana Bremner, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Maia Joseph and Amy du Plessis.
Of particular note is Maia Joseph who receives her first call up to national honours.
The Hamilton fixture versus USA opens the tournament, before the Ferns travel south to Christchurch to play Canada at Apollo Projects Stadium.
Black Ferns Director of Rugby Allan Bunting said the intense nature of the Sky Super Rugby Aupiki competition made for a competitive selection process.
“We are hugely excited by the squad we have selected for the Pacific Four series. We have seen these players perform strongly during Sky Super Rugby Aupiki and their selection is credit to their consistent form across the competitive season,” Bunting said.
“This series is extremely important for us, not only to provide an opportunity to expose our new players to the international stage, but to seek qualification up for the WXV1 tournament at the end of the year.”
“We are looking forward to the upcoming months. To have the opportunity for our whānau and fans to see the team is special. We are excited about the challenge that lies ahead for us, and we feel the support of Aotearoa when they are cheering us on,” said Bunting.
Black Ferns Tests will be broadcasted live on Sky Sport.
Pacific Four Series Schedule (New Zealand times and dates listed)
Black Ferns v USA, Saturday 11 May, 2.05pm, FMG Stadium Waikato, HAMILTON
Black Ferns v Canada, Sunday 19 May, 4.35pm, Apollo Projects Stadium, CHRISTCHURCH
Black Ferns v Australia, Saturday 25 May, 2.05pm, North Harbour Stadium, AUCKLAND (O’Reilly Cup, presented by Ryman Healthcare).