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Reuters
5 days ago
- Sport
- Reuters
Woodman-Wickliffe off to third World Cup with Black Ferns, Tui omitted
WELLINGTON, July 25 (Reuters) - Portia Woodman-Wickliffe was selected by New Zealand for her third women's World Cup on Friday, headlining an experienced Black Ferns squad packed with players who won the last edition of the global showpiece. The prolific try-scoring winger, who came out of retirement in April for a tilt at a third-straight world title, will be joined in England by centres Theresa Setefano and Stacey Waaka, who were also part of the triumphant 2017 and 2022 squads. Kelly Brazier, who was part of the champion 2010 and 2017 squads but missed out on the 2022 triumph, won a recall at the age of 35 for her fourth World Cup as a backup to flyhalf Ruahei Demant. Demant will co-captain the squad with loose forward Kennedy Tukuafu, who was included despite missing two matches this month because of a knee injury. There was no place in the 32-woman squad for Ruby Tui, however, despite the winger having been the face of the 2022 tournament on home soil. Woodman-Wickliffe, teenage sensation Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Ayesha Leti-I'iga and fullback Renee Holmes were instead selected as the outside backs. "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," said head coach Allan Bunting. "The level of depth and internal competition we have seen from our wider squad made the selection process very difficult, however this speaks to the growth and exciting future of women's rugby in Aotearoa." Braxton Sorensen-McGee and Katelyn Vahaakolo are among 14 players who will be playing in their first World Cup. Setefano and Waaka were among seven players from New Zealand's sevens programme who made themselves available for the World Cup in March with scrumhalf Risi Pouri-Lane and flanker Jorja Miller, the others who made the cut. The Black Ferns, ranked third in the world behind hosts England and Canada, kick off their bid for a sixth world title against Spain in York on August 24 and also play Ireland and Japan in Pool C. Squad: Forwards - Kate Henwood, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Chryss Viliko, Atlanta Lolohea, Vici-Rose Green, Georgia Ponsonby, Tanya Kalounivale, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Amy Rule, Laura Bayfield, Alana Bremner, Chelsea Bremner, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, Jorja Miller, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Layla Sae, Kennedy Tukuafu Backs - Iritana Hohaia, Maia Joseph, Risaleaana Pouri-Lane, Kelly Brazier, Ruahei Demant, Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai'i Sylvia Brunt, Amy du Plessis, Theresa Setefano, Stacey Waaka, Renee Holmes, Ayesha Leti-I'iga, Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe Non-travelling reserve: Krystal Murray
The Star
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Rugby-Woodman-Wickliffe off to third World Cup with Black Ferns, Tui omitted
FILE PHOTO: Paris 2024 Olympics - Rugby Sevens - Women's Pool A - New Zealand vs Canada - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - July 28, 2024. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe of New Zealand in action with Carissa Norsten of Canada REUTERS/Dylan Martinez/File Photo WELLINGTON (Reuters) -Portia Woodman-Wickliffe was selected by New Zealand for her third women's World Cup on Friday, headlining an experienced Black Ferns squad packed with players who won the last edition of the global showpiece. The prolific try-scoring winger, who came out of retirement in April for a tilt at a third-straight world title, will be joined in England by centres Theresa Setefano and Stacey Waaka, who were also part of the triumphant 2017 and 2022 squads. Kelly Brazier, who was part of the champion 2010 and 2017 squads but missed out on the 2022 triumph, won a recall at the age of 35 for her fourth World Cup as a backup to flyhalf Ruahei Demant. Demant will co-captain the squad with loose forward Kennedy Tukuafu, who was included despite missing two matches this month because of a knee injury. There was no place in the 32-woman squad for Ruby Tui, however, despite the winger having been the face of the 2022 tournament on home soil. Woodman-Wickliffe, teenage sensation Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Ayesha Leti-I'iga and fullback Renee Holmes were instead selected as the outside backs. "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," said head coach Allan Bunting. "The level of depth and internal competition we have seen from our wider squad made the selection process very difficult, however this speaks to the growth and exciting future of women's rugby in Aotearoa." Braxton Sorensen-McGee and Katelyn Vahaakolo are among 14 players who will be playing in their first World Cup. Setefano and Waaka were among seven players from New Zealand's sevens programme who made themselves available for the World Cup in March with scrumhalf Risi Pouri-Lane and flanker Jorja Miller, the others who made the cut. The Black Ferns, ranked third in the world behind hosts England and Canada, kick off their bid for a sixth world title against Spain in York on August 24 and also play Ireland and Japan in Pool C. Squad: Forwards - Kate Henwood, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Chryss Viliko, Atlanta Lolohea, Vici-Rose Green, Georgia Ponsonby, Tanya Kalounivale, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Amy Rule, Laura Bayfield, Alana Bremner, Chelsea Bremner, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, Jorja Miller, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Layla Sae, Kennedy Tukuafu Backs - Iritana Hohaia, Maia Joseph, Risaleaana Pouri-Lane, Kelly Brazier, Ruahei Demant, Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai'i Sylvia Brunt, Amy du Plessis, Theresa Setefano, Stacey Waaka, Renee Holmes, Ayesha Leti-I'iga, Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe Non-travelling reserve: Krystal Murray (Reporting by Nick Mulvenney; Editing by Jamie Freed)
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Fusitu'a And Demant Take Top Honours At Blues Awards
Two outstanding leaders of Blues rugby, Joshua Fusitu'a and Ruahei Demant, have taken top honours at the 2025 Blues Awards held on Thursday night. Following a breakout season, Fusitu'a was honoured with the club's top accolade, named as the Better Blues Company Player of the Year. A model of professionalism, discipline, and growth, Fusitu'a cemented his spot in the starting XV with consistent, high-impact performances throughout 2025. His tireless preparation and attention to detail set the benchmark within the Blues environment. Meanwhile, talented playmaker Demant capped off an incredible season by being named nib Blues Player of the Year. With her vision, composure, and game-winning instincts, she played a defining role in the nib Blues' campaign that saw them win back-to-back Super Rugby Aupiki titles. Her Player of the Match performance in the Super Rugby Women's Champions final capped off one of many standout moments in a stellar year. In other awards, AJ Lam was named nib Players' Player of the Year - an award voted on by his teammates to reflect character, effort, and consistent contribution. A work horse on and off the ball, Rieko Ioane took out CMC Markets Back of the Year, while Ricky Riccitelli was named MG Forward of the Year for his consistency in the engine room. For the women, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe was named 2degrees nib Blues Back of the Year, following a shift to the midfield this season. Maama Vaipulu earned Barfoot & Thompson nib Blues Forward of the Year, recognised for her unmatched work rate and impact. Braxton Sorensen-McGee won Komatsu nib Blues Rookie of the Year and Women's Fans' Player of the Year after a sensational debut season, which included a Black Ferns debut. Xavi Taele was named Blues Rookie of the Year, while Beauden Barrett was the Men's Fans' Player of the Year. 2025 BLUES AWARDS WINNERS nib Blues Player of the Year Ruahei Demant Better Blues Company Player of the Year Joshua Fusitu'a nib Players' Player of the Year AJ Lam 2degrees nib Blues Back of the Year Portia Woodman-Wickliffe CMC Markets Blues Back of the Year Rieko Ioane Barfoot & Thompson nib Blues Forward of the Year Maama Vaipulu MG Blues Forward of the Year Ricky Riccitelli Komatsu nib Blues Rookie of the Year Braxton Sorensen-McGee Hello Fresh Blues Rookie of the Year Xavi Taele Blues Supporters 4Life Fans' Player of the Year Beauden Barrett and Braxton Sorensen-McGee KFC Community Award Katelyn Vaha'akolo Lockton Development Player of the Year Cohen Norrie NZ Funds nib Blues Team Member of the Year Amy Courtney
Otago Daily Times
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Wallaroos lift game but Black Ferns triumph again
The Black Ferns maintained their stranglehold over the Wallaroos to open the Pacific Four Series with a 38-12 victory over the hosts in Newcastle on Saturday. Doubles to winger Ayesha Leti-l'iga and exciting teenage fullback Braxton Sorensen-McGee on debut, plus further five-pointers to prop Chryss Viliko and centre Sylvia Brunt, earned New Zealand their 28th victory from 28 tests against Australia. But the Wallaroos will claim a moral win of sorts after dominating much of the second half at McDonald Jones Stadium and clearly narrowing the gap on the world champions. "I'm really proud of our ladies," Black Ferns coach Allan Bunting said. "We've only been together two weeks. Obviously we were a bit rusty but there was some real good stuff there we can build off. "The Wallaroos have definitely improved." The Black Ferns thumped the Wallaroos 62-0 in Brisbane in their most recent encounter. On Saturday, the Wallaroos briefly threatened a famous triumph after pulling the deficit back to 26-12 with 15 minutes remaining through deserved second-half tries to front-rowers Eva Karpani and Ashley Masters. Jo Yapp's team were unfortunate to trail 26-0 at the break after officials missed a clear knock-on, before 18-year-old Sorenson-McGee's first try was awarded in the 38th minute. Adding to the Wallaroos' frustration was a no-try ruling against Georgina Friedrichs after TV replays showed the classy centre had won the race to a brilliant chip kick from halfback Tia Hinds to touch down. Sevens star Hinds was superb running the show for the Wallaroos, while lock Kaitlan Leaney was enormous, controlling the lineout and Australia's effective rolling maul. Bunting was delighted with Sorensen-McGee's performance on debut. "I'm proud of her. "She's been consistent right through Aupiki and into this, and we've had an eye on her for a couple of years now. "For her to go out and be her was really special." The tournament continues next Saturday with the Wallaroos facing the USA in Canberra, and the Black Ferns up against second-ranked Canada in Christchurch. Pacific Four The scores Black Ferns 38 Ayesha Leti-I'iga 2, Braxton Sorensen-McGee 2, Chryss Viliko, Sylvia Brunt tries; Ruahei Demant 3 con, Hannah King con. Wallaroos 12 Eva Karpani, Ashley Marsters tries; Faitala Moleka con. Halftime: Black Ferns 19-0. — AAP/APL
1News
11-05-2025
- Sport
- 1News
Black Ferns deny Wallaroos again in Pacific Four
The Black Ferns have maintained their stranglehold over the Wallaroos to open the Pacific Four Series with a 38-12 victory over the hosts in Newcastle. Doubles to winger Ayesha Leti-l'iga and exciting teenage fullback Braxton Sorensen-McGee on debut, plus further five-pointers to prop Chryss Viliko and centre Sylvia Brunt earned New Zealand their 28th victory from 28 Tests against Australia. But the Wallaroos will claim a morale win of sorts after dominating much of the second half at McDonald Jones Stadium and clearly narrowing the gap on the world champions. The Black Ferns thumped the Wallaroos 62-0 in Brisbane in their most recent encounter. On Saturday, the Wallaroos briefly threatened a famous triumph after pulling the deficit back to 26-12 with 15 minutes remaining through deserved second-half tries to front-rowers Eva Karpani and Ashley Masters. Jo Yapp's team were unfortunate to trail 26-0 at the break after officials missed a clear knock-on, before 18-year-old Sorenson-McGee's first try was awarded in the 38th minute. Adding to the Wallaroos' frustration was a no-try ruling against Georgina Friedrichs after TV replays showed the classy centre had won the race to a brilliant chip kick from scrumhalf Tia Hinds to touch down. Sevens star Hinds was superb running the show for the Wallaroos, while lock Kaitlan Leaney was enormous, controlling the lineout and Australia's effective rolling maul. The tournament continues next Saturday, with the Wallaroos facing the USA in Canberra, and the Black Ferns up against second-ranked Canadians in Christchurch.
