Six uncapped players included in New Zealand Black Ferns squad for San Diego Super Series

North Harbour prop Olivia Ward-Duin has been called in as injury cover for the Black Ferns squad for the 2019 Women’s Rugby Super Series.

Ward-Duin is just one of eight players who could make their debut or the Black Ferns, alongside hooker Forne Burkin (Canterbury) and Luka Connor (Bay of Plenty), locks Karli Faneva (Bay of Plenty) and Joanah Ngan-Woo (Wellington), loose forwards Kennedy Simon (Waikato) and Pia Tapsell (North Harbour), and halfback Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu (Counties Manukau).

Ngan-Woo and Marino-Tauhinu have both been included in previous Black Ferns squads but are yet to step out on the field.

Ward-Duin was a late call-up to the side, with 20-test hooker Aldora Itunu nursing a knee injury.

“Olivia has been part of our wider Black Ferns training squad for the past couple of years so she’s familiar with the high performance environment. This is her opportunity to work hard, learn from those around her, and take her game to the next level.

“We wish Aldora well in her recovery and are hopeful she can be considered for the Laurie O’Reilly Memorial Trophy matches in August,” said head coach Glen Moore.

“This is a very exciting squad – a real mix of experienced players and younger players ready to make their mark.

“We will be facing four of the top teams in the world in USA, Canada, France and England – it’s going to be fantastic festival of rugby.”

The squad assembles in Auckland tomorrow evening and will fly out to America on Saturday.

Black Ferns squad for Super Series:

Hookers
Forne Burkin
Luka Connor
Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate

Props
Phillipa Love
Toka Natua
Aleisha-Pearl Nelson
Leilani Perese
Olivia Ward-Duin

Locks
Eloise Blackwell
Karli Faneva
Joanah Ngan-Woo
Charmaine Smith

Loose Forwards
Les Elder (Captain)
Charmaine McMenamin
Marcelle Parkes
Kennedy Simon
Pia Tapsell

Halfbacks
Kendra Cocksedge (Co-vice captain)
Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu

Midfield
Chelsea Alley
Kelly Brazier
Krysten Cottrell
Ruahei Demant
Theresa Fitzpatrick

Outside Backs
Carla Hohepa
Ayesha Leti-I’iga
Natahlia Moors
Alena Saili
Renee Wickliffe
Selica Winiata (Co-vice captain)

Women’s Rugby Super Series 2019 in San Diego, USA:

Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center
Saturday, 29 June
v Canada

Kickoff: 11am (NZT)

Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center
Wednesday, 3 July
v USA

Kickoff: 12.15pm (NZT)

Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center
Sunday, 7 July
v France

Kickoff: 9.15am (NZT)

San Diego State University’s Torero Stadium
Monday, 15 July
v England

Kickoff: 8am (NZT)