KEY POINTS:
Ten new faces were named today in a Black Ferns rugby squad to play two tests against Australia next month as a team stalwart announced her retirement.
Black Ferns vice-captain Rochelle Martin announced she would retire from all rugby following an international career that started in 1994.
The 34-year-old represented New Zealand in 32 tests and was a member of the Black Ferns squad that won gold at the women's rugby World Cup in 1998, 2002 and 2006, the Churchill Cup title in Canada in 2004 and the Canada Cup in 1996 and 2005.
Meanwhile, 10 newcomers from five different provincial unions will join the squad for tests in Wanganui (October 16) and Wellington (October 20).
The 25-strong squad will be captained by Canterbury's Melissa Ruscoe, who was part of the World Cup-winning Black Ferns last year.
Co-coach Dale Atkins said the squad to face Australia was a good mix of youth and experience and the newcomers had a chance to cement places.
"These players showed excellent form in the women's competition this year and this is just reward for them. They now have the chance to showcase their talent on the international stage," she said.
The departing Martin said she was fortunate to be involved in such a dominant side over the years.
"It was a real honour for me to represent my country for a decade and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
"I wish the Black Ferns all the best for the series against Australia," she said.
BLACK FERNS
Victoria Blackledge (Auckland), Monalisa Codling (Auckland), Kendra Cocksedge (Canterbury), Fiao'o Fa'amausili (Auckland), Amy Farr (Wellington), Victoria Heighway (Auckland), Carla Hohepa (Otago), Linda Itunu (Auckland), Emma Jensen (Auckland), Justine Lavea (Auckland), Vaniya Lavea (Auckland), Beth Mallard (Otago), Huriana Manuel (Auckland), Ruth McKay (Manawatu), Tia Paasi (Wellington), Anna Richards (Auckland), Claire Richardson (Otago), Vita Robinson (Auckland), Melissa Ruscoe (Canterbury, captain), Kimberley Smith (Canterbury), Aimee Sutorius (Wellington), Teresa Te Tamaki (Auckland), Waimania Teddy (Auckland), Anika Tiplady (Manawatu) and Kathleen Wilton (Otago). One to be added.
- NZPA
