Sorensen-McGee ruled out of Valladolid and Bordeaux with concussion as McGregor steps in

Braxton Sorensen-McGee will not travel with the Black Ferns Sevens for the HSBC SVNS World Championship events in Valladolid and Bordeaux after New Zealand Rugby confirmed on Monday that the young back is managing a concussion and must remain in New Zealand under HIA protocols.

Sorensen-McGee, named World Rugby’s Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year in 2025, is replaced in the touring squad by Justine McGregor, a three-Test back who made her international sevens debut at the Dubai Sevens in 2024.

The squad, captained by Risi Pouri-Lane with Jorja Miller as vice-captain, heads to Europe in strong form. Cory Sweeney’s side claimed the SVNS Series regular season title, winning five of six Cup Finals before securing first place in Hong Kong. Also included for the European leg are Danii Mafoe and Jaxx Felix Hotham, the latter returning from injury.

The Black Ferns Sevens open their Valladolid campaign against Argentina on May 29, before facing Brazil and Japan to complete their pool.

Despite the setback, Sorensen-McGee recently committed her future to New Zealand Rugby, signing a new deal through to the end of 2027. The contract covers both sevens and fifteens, reflecting her ambitions across formats.

“I’ve been loving my first season with the Black Ferns Sevens and the opportunity to play on the world series with my sevens’ sisters,” Sorensen-McGee said in an NZR statement. “But I’ve also set some goals in fifteens and feel like I’ve got more to offer in the Blues and Black Ferns jerseys. I’m looking forward to challenging myself in both formats and doing everything I can to contribute to those teams.”

Black Ferns Sevens squad for SVNS Valladolid and Bordeaux: Manaia Nuku, Jorja Miller (VC), Stacey Waaka, Mahina Paul, Risi Pouri-Lane (C), Maia Davis, Alena Saili, Jazmin Felix-Hotham, Justine McGregor, Danii Mafoe, Jaymie Kolose, Kelsey Teneti, Katelyn Vahaakolo.