5 Players to Watch: New Zealand Black Ferns squad for 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup

FORWARDS: Kate Henwood (Chiefs Manawa) Awhina Tangen-Wainohu (Blues) Chryss Viliko (Blues) Atlanta Lolohea (Blues) Vici-Rose Green (Chiefs Manawa) Georgia Ponsonby (Matatū) Tanya Kalounivale (Chiefs Manawa) Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (Chiefs Manawa) Amy Rule (Matatū) Laura Bayfield (Matatū) Alana Bremner (Matatū) Chelsea Bremner (Matatū) Maiakawanakaulani Roos (Blues) Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (Blues) Jorja Miller (Black Ferns Sevens) Kaipo Olsen-Baker (Matatū) Layla Sae (Hurricanes Poua) Kennedy Tukuafu (Chiefs Manawa)

BACKS: Iritana Hohaia (Hurricanes Poua) Maia Joseph (Matatū)Risaleaana Pouri-Lane (Black Ferns Sevens) Kelly Brazier (Chiefs Manawa) Ruahei Demant (Blues) Sylvia Brunt (Blues) Amy du Plessis (Matatū) Theresa Setefano (Blues) Stacey Waaka (Chiefs Manawa) Renee Holmes (Chiefs Manawa) Ayesha Leti-I’iga (Hurricanes Poua) Braxton Sorensen-McGee (Blues) Katelyn Vahaakolo (Blues) Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (Blues)

New Zealand enter the tournament eyeing up a third consecutive Women's Rugby World Cup title, following on from their 2017 heroics in Belfast, and their 2022 Covid-delayed triumph upon home soil at Eden Park. The Black Ferns triumphed over England in these two previous finals, and have a total of six Women's Rugby World Cup trophies in their cabinet - four more than the second placed Red Roses.

The Black Ferns enter the fray as arguable favourites, alongside their long-time Rugby World Cup rivals England and the ever improving teams from France and Canada. In this article, we will have a look at five of the biggest names from the Black Ferns camp, that you need to keep an eye out for across England.

Few players in world rugby embody leadership and resilience quite like Kennedy Tukuafu (formerly Kennedy Simon). Now co-captain of the Black Ferns alongside Ruahei Demant, the dynamic loose forward brings unmatched tenacity to the New Zealand pack, and a calm, commanding presence off the pitch.

Capable of playing across all three loose forward positions, Tukuafu’s journey to the top is as impressive as her on-field impact. From a transformative stint playing club rugby in Sapporo, Japan, where she was once tempted to switch national allegiance, to lifting the Rugby World Cup in 2022 and leading the Chiefs Manawa to domestic glory, her career is built on fearless decisions and relentless effort.

Tukuafu made her test debut in 2019 and has since earned over 30 caps for the Black Ferns, becoming an integral part of the squad’s leadership and identity. She was named New Zealand Rugby’s Player of the Year in 2020, a recognition of her consistency and influence across both the international stage and the Farah Palmer Cup, where she’s long been a standout for Waikato.

Raised in Hamilton and a proud product of Hamilton Girls’ High School’s legendary First XV, Tukuafu credits much of her early development to coach and mentor Crystal Kaua, who instilled in her the physical toughness and mental edge that now define her game. Off the field, Tukuafu’s humility and depth of character are as evident as her physicality on it. Appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2023 for her services to rugby, she remains deeply connected to her roots, proud of her Ngāti Maniapoto and Ngāti Māhanga heritage.

Expect her to lead from the front, tackling hard, carrying with purpose, and inspiring her teammates every step of the way. A born competitor and battle-hardened leader, Kennedy Tukuafu is one of the most influential players for the Black Ferns, as New Zealand look to retain their Women's Rugby World Cup.

A generational talent and one of New Zealand’s most decorated rugby players, Kelly Brazier’s legacy spans across both the XVs and Sevens formats of the game. The 35-year-old utility back is the only Black Ferns player heading into their fourth Rugby World Cup, with Braizer set to provide vital experience and tactical prowess to the New Zealand back-line.

Brazier, Black Fern #153, debuted in 2009 and has since amassed 45 test caps and 201 points, including 12 tries, 48 conversions, and 15 penalties. Her versatility sees her comfortably slot in at fly half, centre, or fullback, and her leadership mirrors that of England’s Emily Scarratt. Born in Dunedin to English and Irish parents, Brazier’s sporting journey began early. At 14, she represented New Zealand U21s mixed touch and made the national secondary schoolgirls team a year later. In 2009, she made headlines scoring 64 points in a club game for Alhambra Union, including 10 tries and 7 conversions.

She was the top points scorer at the 2010 Rugby World Cup and kicked the winning penalty in the final against England. Her rugby IQ, goal-kicking ability, and undeniable speed made her an immediate fit for the Black Ferns Sevens when the professional circuit launched in 2012. With gold medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, 2018 Commonwealth Games, and multiple World Series titles, Brazier is one of just 18 Kiwi women to win two or more Olympic medals. She celebrated her 50th Sevens Series tournament in 2024 and scored her 100th try in Dubai the same year.

Though absent from the 15s side for four years, Brazier returned in 2024, selected as fly half cover for Black Ferns co-captain Ruahei Demant (well worth an honourable mention), and given the nod over rising star Hannah King. Off the field, Braizer is respected for mentoring younger players and even coached in Japan during a sabbatical in 2023. Known for her humility and team-first mentality, Brazier credits coaches like Alan Bunting and Cory Sweeney for helping shape the strong culture of the Black Ferns Sevens.

From a trailblazing teen in Otago to a global rugby icon, Kelly Brazier continues to inspire as one of New Zealand’s true rugby greats.

Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (formerly Portia Woodman), is one of the most recognisable figures in women’s rugby and has come out of retirement to chase a third Rugby World Cup crown with the Black Ferns. After winning gold with the New Zealand Sevens team at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Woodman-Wickeliffe initially announced her international retirement. But the lure of another World Cup proved too strong. She reversed her decision in early 2025, signing an eight-month contract with New Zealand Rugby to push for selection.

Black Fern #172, Woodman-Wickliffe's impact across both formats of the game is unparalleled. Named World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year in 2017, she was the top try scorer in that year’s World Cup, famously scoring four in the semi-final against the USA. Her brilliance earned comparisons to Jonah Lomu – comparisons she humbly downplays, but consistently lives up to.

In sevens, she has dominated the world stage. A three-time Olympian, Woodman-Wickliffe owns three sets of Olympic medals: silver (2016), gold (2020, 2024). She was named World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Decade (2010–2019) and is the all-time leading try scorer in the HSBC World Sevens Series, surpassing 250 tries in 2024.

Her return to fifteens in 2025 has already been historic. After stints in Japan with the Mie Pearls and a strong Aupiki campaign, Woodman-Wickliffe started against Canada and then made headlines with seven tries in a 79–14 win over the USA. The performance elevated her to New Zealand’s all-time leading women's test try-scorer (45 tries in 26 tests), surpassing Vanessa Cootes’ longstanding record. She also became just the third New Zealand woman to reach 200 points in test rugby.

Woodman-Wickliffe's sporting pedigree is elite, as her father and uncle were All Blacks, and her aunt a former Silver Fern. A former netballer and sprinter, she entered rugby through the Go for Gold programme in 2012. Since then, she has redefined what’s possible in the women’s game. Still explosive, still unstoppable, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe's return is more than a comeback, it’s a reminder that legends never really leave. They just keep rewriting the record books.

At just 18 years old, Braxton Sorensen-McGee is emerging as one of the most exciting young talents in New Zealand rugby. A dynamic fullback, she has already made her mark for the Blues in Sky Super Rugby Aupiki, Auckland Storm in the Farah Palmer Cup, and now, the Black Ferns.

Black Fern #262, Sorensen-McGee debuted in 2025 and instantly turned heads, scoring two tries in her test debut against the Wallaroos in Newcastle. That performance cemented her place in the squad for the July series and her first Rugby World Cup campaign.

Born on 26 October 2006, Sorensen-McGee grew up in a rugby league family with five Kiwi internationals on her mother’s side. She attended Auckland Girls’ Grammar School, excelling in both league and union, before choosing to pursue a union pathway. She turned down a development contract from the New Zealand Warriors Women rugby league side to focus on her union ambitions.

In 2023, she earned Rookie of the Year honours in her debut season with Auckland Storm, making an instant impression at just 16. Her rise continued with the New Zealand U18 Sevens team in 2024, which she co-captained to a third-place finish at the Global Youth Cup. 2025 then marked her first Super Rugby Aupiki season with the Blues, where she played a pivotal role in the side’s championship win, including a stunning runaway try in the final against Matatū. In just four Aupiki games, she scored five tries, amassing 25 points at a break-neck tempo.

Fearless under the high ball, explosive on counterattack, and with composure beyond her years, Sorensen-McGee represents the next generation of Black Ferns. Her journey is only beginning, but already, she’s proving she belongs on the biggest stage.

Keep an eye out on this bright spark, who is set to light up England with exhilarating performances in the back-three alongside honourable mentions Katelyn Vahaakolo, Ayesha Leti-I’iga and Renee Holmes.

At just 23, Maiakawanakaulani Roos has already built an exceptional rugby career, emerging as one of the most promising and respected young leaders in New Zealand rugby. A powerful, athletic lock, Roos plays for the Black Ferns internationally, the Blues Women in Super Rugby Aupiki, and Auckland in the Farah Palmer Cup. Her mix of talent, humility, and leadership has quickly set her apart.

Born in Utah, USA in 2001 and raised in Auckland from the age of seven, Roos’ introduction to rugby came at school, but it wasn’t until she reached Tāmaki College that her potential truly shone. There, under the mentorship of former Black Fern Doris Taufateau, Roos captained the First XV and debuted for Auckland Storm while still a student, earning her selection from another former Black Fern, Anna Richards.

In 2020, she played for the New Zealand Barbarians and was named in the inaugural Blues women’s squad the following year. That same year, she debuted for the Black Ferns on their Northern Tour. Despite the team’s defeats throughout 2021, Roos stood out for her physicality, composure, and rapid development, earning two starts against France.

She continued to impress in 2022, playing in Super Rugby Aupiki, scoring her first test try against Canada in the Pacific Four Series, and earning a World Cup spot where she scored twice during the pool stages. Roos' leadership qualities came to the fore in 2023 when she became the youngest-ever Black Ferns captain, aged just 22, breaking Farah Palmer’s record.

Roos is also a community role model. She regularly returns to Tāmaki College with fellow Black Fern Liana Mikaele-Tu’u to mentor students and provide support for youth facing challenges. Grounded, driven, and fiercely proud of her East Auckland roots, Roos is a true leader of her generation, on and off the field.