World Cup winner Renee Holmes joins Black Ferns Sevens for Australia series

Renee Holmes, a Women’s Rugby World Cup winner with the Black Ferns, has been selected in New Zealand’s 13-player Sevens travelling squad to face Australia in a three-match series this week, joining two-time World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year Jorja Miller in the group.

Holmes, 26, was a key figure at fullback when the Black Ferns claimed the World Cup title on home soil four years ago, and she took on goal-kicking duties during New Zealand’s run to the semi-finals at the most recent edition of the tournament in England. She now transitions to the Sevens format as the Black Ferns prepare to face reigning SVNS World Championship winners Australia.

Two matches will be played at Easts Rugby Club in Sydney’s Rose Bay on Friday night, before a third clash on Saturday at Accor Stadium — part of a historic quadruple header that will see all four of Rugby Australia’s Teams in Gold take the field on the same day.

Miller, who was named SVNS Player of the Year following the 2026 season, is among several high-profile inclusions. Olympic gold medallists Jazmin Felix-Hotham, Manaia Nuku, Mahina Paul and captain Risaleaana Pouri-Lane are also named in the squad.

Keelah Boddle, Kavanah Lene, Sariyah Paitai, Te Pumanawa O Toku Ate Rogers, Kelsey Teneti, Olive Watherston and Katelyn Vahaakolo complete the travelling party.

Saturday’s Accor Stadium programme also features the Wallaroos against Scotland, the Australia Men’s Sevens against Fiji, and the second Bledisloe Cup Test between the Wallabies and the All Blacks — a fixture that carries additional significance with Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 less than a year away.