Six Black Ferns XV players named in New Zealand's first-ever women's U21 squad

New Zealand Rugby has selected its first-ever women’s Under-21 squad, with six Black Ferns XV players among the 23 named ahead of a landmark match against Australia NextGen at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch on 31 October.

The fixture coincides with the Black Ferns’ third Test against France in the WXV Global Series, underlining the depth of women’s rugby talent currently available to New Zealand selectors.

Hurricanes Poua head coach Hayden Triggs takes charge of the U21 side, with Blues and Auckland back-row Taufa Bason among the standout inclusions. The 19-year-old featured in a senior Black Ferns training squad ahead of the Pacific Four Series and has already represented the Black Ferns XV this year. Keira Su’a-Smith, Amber Mundell, Danny-Elle Fesolai, Lialanie Muamua and Presayus Singh also earned their places after representing the Black Ferns XV in a 62-19 loss to the senior Black Ferns at Maidstone Park in Upper Hutt.

Triggs said the squad reflected the quality on show throughout the Farah Palmer Cup season. “This is a group of talented athletes and with 19 players having experienced Super Rugby Aupiki in 2026 we have some exceptional young leaders among the group as we head into what will be an historic fixture against Australia,” he said.

Triggs is supported by former Black Ferns half-back Emma Jensen and former Canterbury head coach Paraki. Jessie Hansen — sister of Black Ferns head coach Whitney and daughter of ex-All Blacks boss Steve — has been appointed mental performance lead.

NZR Women’s High Performance Pathways Manager Kendra Cocksedge described the moment as significant for the women’s game. “To be the first national age grade women’s players to be selected for an international match is a special moment,” she said.

Several players were unavailable due to Black Ferns or Black Ferns 7s commitments, with Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a, Maia Davis, Braxton Sorensen-McGee and Amarante Sititi all engaged elsewhere.

The full squad draws from provincial unions and Super Rugby Aupiki franchises across New Zealand, with Auckland, Canterbury, Wellington and Otago all represented among both the forwards and backs.