Black Ferns squad named for Canada

Honey Hireme. Photo / Michael Craig.

The selection of two New Zealand sevens players marks the naming of the Black Ferns squad to tour Canada later this month.

Honey Hireme and Selica Winiata, fresh from their exploits with the world series-winning New Zealand Women's Sevens side, are included along with 12 new players, to be captained by veteran hooker Fiao'o Fa'amausili.

Auckland halfback Emma Jensen, with 46 caps, is the most seasoned Black Fern and, should she play all three tests in Canada, will draw level with Anna Richards as the most capped Black Fern ever.

There are eight Aucklanders in the squad, a reflection of the Auckland Storm having won 14 of the past 15 NPCs, though just two in the backline.

New coach Greg Smith, the former Fiji captain and Chiefs and Waikato hooker, said the high number of new players in the squad reflected the depth of talent in New Zealand and the increasing popularity of the women's game.

"This competitive series represents the start of our build-up to the 2017 Rugby World Cup, and, not surprisingly, a number of senior players retired after last year's tournament while a number of others are out of contention due to injury," he said.

"Luckily, there are a lot of exciting young players who are working very hard to earn an international spot. We have two top netballers in the squad - Charmaine Smith and Keri Hayden - who see an opportunity to represent their country. They have made the squad because of their fitness, skills and athleticism.

"Over the past six months we've seen 110 women from all over New Zealand at our regional programmes and it's clear from the enthusiasm of players that it's a very exciting time for women's rugby. There is a real sense of momentum out there."

The Black Ferns will play Canada, USA and England in the international series from June 27 to July 5.

Smith said the tournament will be a prime opportunity for talent identification and development as the Black Ferns look towards the Women's Rugby World Cup in 2017.

Super Series schedule:

June 27: Calgary, Alberta
Calgary Rugby Park
USA vs. England
Black Ferns vs. Canada
Kickoff: 6.30pm (local time) Tuesday June 28, 08:30 NZST

July 1: Red Deer, Alberta
Red Deer Rugby Club
Black Ferns vs. England
Kickoff: 4pm (local time) Thursday July 2, 06:00 NZST
Canada vs. USA

July 5: Edmonton, Alberta
Ellerslie Rugby Park
Black Ferns vs. USA
Kickoff: 4pm (local time) Monday July 6, 06:00 NZST
Canada v England

Black Ferns squad
Forwards: Fiao'o Fa'amausili, Aleisha Nelson, Eloise Blackwell, Charlene Halapua, Linda Itunu, Aldora Itunu (Auckland), Justine Lavea, Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate (Counties Manukau), Toka Natua, Teresa Te Tamaki (Waikato), Sita Kuruyabaki, Rebekah Tufaga (Manawatu), Charmaine Smith (North Harbour), Angie Sisifa (Otago)
Backs: Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali, Renee Wickliffe, Arihana Marino (Counties Manukau), Keri Hayden, Selica Winiata, Jana Vaughan (Manawatu), Kiritapu Demant, Emma Jensen (Auckland), Stacey Waaka, Honey Hireme (Waikato), Chelsea Alley (North Harbour), Kendra Cocksedge (Canterbury)