Black Ferns co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu faces six months out after hamstring surgery

Kennedy Tukuafu, co-captain of the Black Ferns, will miss the next six months after sustaining a hamstring tear during Chiefs Manawa’s loss to the Hurricanes Poua in Pukekohe on 27 June. New Zealand Rugby confirmed on Monday that the 37-Test veteran requires surgery to repair the injury.

The setback rules Tukuafu out of the entire 2026 international season — a campaign that was set to include a historic Black Ferns Test series against the British and Irish Lions, a fixture that would have represented one of the most significant occasions in the women’s game.

Tukuafu, who leads the Black Ferns alongside her co-captain, acknowledged the support she has received since the injury became known. “Although I’m out of action for a while, I’m still closely involved with my team and I’m grateful for the support from my teammates, whanau and the wider rugby community,” she said in a New Zealand Rugby release. “My focus now is on surgery, rehabilitation and doing everything I can to return to the game.”

Black Ferns head coach Whitney Hansen paid tribute to Tukuafu’s standing within the squad, making clear that her value extends well beyond her performances on the pitch. “We’re really feeling for Kennedy. Injuries are always tough and this is a hard setback for someone who gives so much to the Black Ferns,” Hansen said.

“Kennedy leads with authenticity and care and her influence on this group extends well beyond what she does on the field. We know she’ll approach her recovery with the same resilience, professionalism and determination she shows every day. The whole Black Ferns whanau will be right behind her as she works towards her return.”

The loss of Tukuafu is a significant blow to New Zealand’s leadership structure heading into a landmark year for the women’s game. Her rehabilitation timeline means she will need to be close to full fitness before the 2026 season begins if she is to have any chance of featuring in the Lions series.