2018 Black Ferns
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Couldn't find a better place to post this.
The Barbarians women's team will play a game v the British Army women's team on 17 March. Kayla Ahki-McAlister has been named in the squad. That will make Kayla and Luke McAlister the first brother and sister combo to have played in the Baabaas jersey.
Kayla McAlister joins brother Luke in Barbarians' record books
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Great news!
In an historic first for the women’s rugby 15s game, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and the New Zealand Rugby Players Association (NZRPA) have negotiated a formal Black Ferns professional performance programme. The terms for the programme are set out in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which will see a minimum of 30 players employed by NZR on a Black Ferns contract with a guaranteed retainer, assembly fees and a range of other benefits.The remuneration for the players will be paid out of the Player Payment Pool agreed between NZR and the NZRPA under the existing Collective Employment Agreement (CEA). The Parental Policy in the MOU introduces an entitlement for players returning to the programme from maternity leave, to have a support person of their choice to travel and stay with them to look after the infant during squad assembly. The costs of travel and accommodation for the support person will be met by the Player Payment Pool, with the cost capped at $15,000 a year for each player until their child turns one. The policy also provides opportunities for players due to go on maternity leave, to move into other safe employment within the rugby network until the player goes on maternity leave. In addition to the 30 contracted players there will be a wider training squad which will see the Black Ferns Performance Programme cater for a further 20 players, who will train out of Regional Performance Hubs throughout New Zealand with the majority being managed by Provincial Unions as part of their existing High Performance Programme. Interim contracts will also be available for players called into the Black Ferns squad. In line with other national teams and professional players, Black Ferns will receive the appropriate technical, tactical, biomechanical, strength and conditioning programming, nutritional advice, medical and sports psychological support appropriate for elite female athletes. It is expected that players will be required to commit around 10-14 hours per week for rugby training however, priority will be given to ensuring players can maintain their work and study while on the programme. For those selected to the Black Ferns squad they will assemble for approximately 50 days a year for training camps and fixtures. Details of the Black Ferns fixtures for 2018 will be announced in due course. In line with the CEA, significant support will be given to female players around Personal Development so they are assisted in the critical areas of career/education and work, finance and asset protection, character development, mental wellness and other professional rugby obligations and expectations. Similar to the Super Rugby environments, a Personal Development Manager will be allocated specifically to support the Black Ferns.With the future of women’s rugby in mind, NZR will also establish a working group focused on assessing future competition options and structures at an international, SANZAAR and national level. -
A related article in the local newspaper today.
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Not announced by NZR yet, but the website of the French Rugby Union contains an announcement of the November internationals to be played by French national teams, including the French women's team.
The announcement includes two tests between France Féminines and the Black Ferns, with the dates and venues still to be confirmed. The first test will be played on either 9, 10 or 11 November and the second on 16, 17 or 18 November.
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Awesome, two more tests. Against Australia.
The Laurie O’Reilly Memorial Trophy will be up for grabs when the Black Ferns play Australia in Sydney and Auckland on the same nights as the All Blacks take on Australia in their bid for the Bledisloe Cup.The first double-header takes place at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium on 18 August with a rematch the following week on Saturday 25 August, in Auckland.I really hope the public will show up for the Black Ferns' tests. This team deserves a good crowd.
http://www.allblacks.com/News/32325/black-ferns-to-play-two-tests-against-australia
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@stargazer said in 2018 Black Ferns:
I really hope the public will show up for the Black Ferns' tests. This team deserves a good crowd.
Unfortunately, they won't over here.
Fuck they'll barely get 50,000 to the men's game at this rate.We get the chance to lose 4 games against NZ in the space of 8 days - and I reckon we're looking at record scores, too.
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Great news! Both the Black Ferns and Māori All Blacks will play at Chicago’s Soldier Field on Saturday, 3 November (local time).
But is it a good idea to plan 3 games on one day? I can't see many people watching rugby for 7 hours in what may be a cold stadium at that time of year. That may hurt the women's game, even with the hosts being the USA women's team.
Match times in NZT:
Sunday, 4 November 2018:
6:00am: USA Eagles (W) v Black Ferns
9:00am: Ireland v Italy
11:15am: USA Eagles (M) v Maori All Blackshttp://www.allblacks.com/News/32429/tripleheader-blockbuster-for-black-ferns-and-maori-all-blacks
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@stargazer said in 2018 Black Ferns:
Great news! Both the Black Ferns and Māori All Blacks will play at Chicago’s Soldier Field on Saturday, 3 November (local time).
But is it a good idea to plan 3 games on one day? I can't see many people watching rugby for 7 hours in what may be a cold stadium at that time of year. That may hurt the women's game, even with the hosts being the USA women's team.
Match times in NZT:
Sunday, 4 November 2018:
6:00am: USA Eagles (W) v Black Ferns
9:00am: Ireland v Italy
11:15am: USA Eagles (M) v Maori All Blackshttp://www.allblacks.com/News/32429/tripleheader-blockbuster-for-black-ferns-and-maori-all-blacks
Just read this press release on USA Rugby website. They have the Ireland/Italy match billed as the marquee game. Presumably they figure they can pull a rolling crowd for the various games and tap into the Irish/Italian diaspora for part of that. I can’t see as many traveling Irish going for the weekend at that time of year to watch them Italy.
The IRFU and NZRU seem to be putting the most into US market - wonder where they hope it’s going to lead to besides the extra revenues?
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Besides extra revenue? Isn't that enough??
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Rugby: Black Ferns to be without sevens stars for Chicago test
The world champion Black Ferns will be without star players Portia Woodman and Sarah Goss when they take on the United States in an historic test at Chicago's Soldier Field later this year. The Ferns will make their debut on American soil when they play the opening match of a triple-header against the host nation in November, which includes a Six Nations showdown between Ireland and Italy and the Maori All Blacks vs USA. However, it seems the successful sevens programme will take priority over fifteens. With the opening round of the sevens world series set to take place around the same time, many of the side's crossover stars won’t be considered for the Chicago test. Black Ferns coach Glenn Moore has already said he's preparing to be left short-handed in the US.Although there's been one major boost for Moore's side in the return of World Cup-winning hooker Fiao'o Fa'amausili, who's confirmed she'll be coming out of retirement and will feature in the Stateside match. "She's also aware that we've got some young ones coming through and she was really motivated that she wanted to be part of that development of this new group." New Zealand Rugby will release the names of the first 30 Black Ferns players to receive professional contracts next week. -
@baron-silas-greenback said in 2018 Black Ferns:
Besides extra revenue? Isn't that enough??
Fair comment. There was talk of a 4th test for the two unions with the proposed venue in Netherlands or somewhere like that. NZRU turned down a re-match in Chicago as they had commitments to Japan. Ireland agreed to a summer test last year with USA rugby but it was held in the Red Bull in New Jersey which only holds 25,000 and they got 22k on the day, so not much extra revenue from that.
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Black Ferns contracted squad named in historic announcement Twenty eight of New Zealand’s top female rugby players have become the first-ever 15s players to be offered Black Ferns contracts, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) announced today. The 2018 Black Ferns contracted squad is: Backs: Chelsea Alley - Waikato Ariana Bayler - Waikato Grace Brooker - Canterbury Kendra Cocksedge - Canterbury Krysten Cottrell - Hawke's Bay Ruahei Demant - Auckland Dhys Faleafaga - Wellington Kilistina Moata'ane - Otago Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali - Counties Manukau Kristina Sue - Manawatu Renee Wickliffe - Bay of Plenty Selica Winiata - ManawatuForwards: Eloise Blackwell - Auckland Les Elder (nee Ketu) - Bay of Plenty Fiao'o Faamausili - Auckland Harono Iringa - Counties Manukau Aldora Itunu - Auckland Linda Itunu - Auckland Pip Love - Canterbury Charmaine McMenamin - Auckland Toka Natua - Waikato Joanah Ngan Woo - Wellington Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate - Counties Manukau Aleisha Nelson - Auckland Marcelle Parkes - Wellington Leilani Perese - Counties Manukau Aroha Savage - Counties Manukau Charmaine Smith - Auckland The 28 contracted players include 17 Black Ferns from the 2017 World Cup winning side. Among them is legendary hooker and 2017 World Cup winning captain Fiao’o Faamausili who has put her retirement from international rugby on hold.Moore said the 28 players announced today weren’t necessarily guaranteed a spot in the 2018 Black Ferns team and they would need to continue to work hard in their club teams and provinces to be considered for the black jersey. “We have a Black Ferns training camp in mid-June when we’ll get a much better idea of how everyone is tracking. There’s also the possibility we’ll offer a contract to players outside of the initial contracted squad.” Moore said there were two more contracted positions to be filled. A further 20 women will be identified to make up a wider training squad. The non-contracted players will be part of a high-performance training programme designed to identify and develop the best female rugby talent."These contracted players will receive a guaranteed retainer to train, assembly fees when they come together for Black Ferns camps and the medical and technical services they need as elite athletes.” Sexton said girls and women were signing up to play in record numbers all around the country and it was the fastest growing area of rugby. “It’s an exciting time for women’s rugby and I’m very proud we’ve taken the step forward to contract our female 15s players along with our sevens squad.”About the contracts * Guaranteed retainer for one year (NB the Memorandum of Understanding with NZRPA is due for renegotiation in 2019) * Assembly fees if selected for Black Ferns training camps and fixtures (approximately 50 days/year in total) * Medical and life insurance, an opportunity to join the Player Savings Scheme and KiwiSaver * Technical, tactical, biomechanical, strength and conditioning programming, nutritional advice, medical and sports psychological support * 10-14 hours per week commitment required for rugby training however, priority will be given to ensuring players can maintain their work and study while on the programme * Personal Development to assist in areas of career/education and work, finance and asset protection, character development, mental wellness and other professional rugby obligations and expectations * A Personal Development Manager will be allocated specifically to support the Black Ferns * Parental Policy for players returning to the programme from maternity leave * Remuneration for the players paid out of the Player Payment Pool agreed between NZR and the NZRPA under the existing Collective Employment Agreement (CEA)http://www.allblacks.com/News/32459/black-ferns-contracted-squad-named-in-historic-announcement
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Black Ferns to be honoured with Test capping
The team who took home the inaugural Women’s Rugby World Cup will be among the first Black Ferns to receive their caps at a special reunion event, on the 20th anniversary year of their victory in Amsterdam. New Zealand Rugby (NZR) today announced a project to officially cap all Black Ferns who have played in sanctioned Test matches in a series of ceremonies and events which begin this month. NZR Chief Executive Officer Steve Tew said the capping project was an important part of recognising the achievements of the World Champion Black Ferns. “The planning that goes into official recognition of the Black Ferns has been in motion for some time now. Given this year marks the 20th anniversary of our first Women’s Rugby World Cup win in 1998, it seemed fitting to bring the players together and cap the team at a reunion dinner.” The reunion dinner on 8 June in Auckland will bring together 130 former Black Ferns stretching back to 1989 when the first official national women’s team played the visiting Pacific Coast Grizzlies at Christchurch’s Lancaster Park. Since then, 193 women have been selected as Black Ferns, with Canterbury’s Jacqui Apiata capped with number one and North Harbour’s Rebecca Wood the newest Black Fern from the 2017 squad. Tew said the reunion dinner promises to be a great evening, with a number of overseas-based players attending the event. “Wearing the black jersey and representing your country is a special moment for any New Zealand athlete. This is a rare opportunity for former teammates to get together, reminisce, and celebrate their success. It’s going to be a very special night and is another element of creating an ongoing legacy for the team.” About the capping project * Black Ferns who took the field in a sanctioned international Test match will receive a cap over the next three years. * 161 women to be capped over the next three years. * The caps are based on traditional rugby caps and feature the Black Ferns number, the silver fern and details of their Test debut. * 46 Black Ferns will be capped at the reunion dinner on June 8. * These include the 1998 Black Ferns, Black Ferns who have travelled from overseas to attend and the families of Black Ferns who have passed away. * Players who represented the Black Ferns in matches in 1989 and 1990 and went on to play official Test matches are also set to be capped at the reunion. * Further capping ceremonies will take place over the next three years to ensure all Black Ferns receive their caps.http://www.allblacks.com/News/32488/black-ferns-to-be-honoured-with-test-capping
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New Zealand Rugby has formally expressed an interest to World Rugby to host the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021. NZR Chief Rugby Officer Nigel Cass said: “Women’s rugby is enjoying an amazing period of growth and strength both in New Zealand and internationally – and it made sense to express an interest in hosting this tournament. There is a lot more work to be done as we work through this process over the next couple of months.” The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021 has attracted a record level of hosting interest after six unions formally confirmed an expression of interest to World Rugby by the 31 May deadline. Australia, England, France, New Zealand, Portugal and Wales all confirmed their intention to tender having reviewed World Rugby’s bid guide issued last month. The record level of hosting interest highlights the strength of the Women’s Rugby World Cup brand after a very special and record-breaking Ireland 2017 tournament and excitement surrounding a new tournament format. Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 was the best-attended, most-viewed and most socially-engaged ever, setting new standards for the tournament and extending the reach of the game around the world. The six unions have been issued with the bid documents and now have until 10 August 2018 to submit their bid responses. The World Rugby Council will select the Rugby World Cup 2021 host at its interim meeting in Dublin on 14 November 2018. -
Finally, the two November tests against France have been confirmed! That makes it a good number of test matches for the Black Ferns this year (5).
They'll also play a game of three halves against Bay of Plenty Volcanix and Auckland Storm in preparation of the two Australia tests in August.
Black Ferns schedule for 2018:
Game of Three Halves
Tauranga Domain, Tauranga
Saturday 11 August
V Bay of Plenty Volcanix and Auckland Storm
Kickoff: 12pm (NZT)Laurie O’Reilly Memorial Trophy
ANZ Stadium, Sydney
Saturday 18 August
V Australia (With All Blacks v Australia)
Kickoff: 5.30pm (NZT)Eden Park, Auckland
Saturday 25 August
V Australia (With All Blacks v Australia)
Kickoff: 5.00pm (NZT)Northern Tour
Test match 1:
Soldier Field, Chicago, USA
Saturday 3 November,
V USA (with Maori All Blacks v USA and Italy v Ireland)
Kickoff: 12pm (NZT)Test match 2:
Stade Felix Mayol, Toulon, France
Friday 9 November
V France
Kickoff: TBATest match 3:
Stade des Alpes, Grenoble, France
Saturday 17 November
V France
Kickoff: TBAhttp://www.allblacks.com/News/32676/black-ferns-announce-two-test-tour-of-france
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The Black Ferns squad for the August tests against Australia has been named (test caps in brackets, new caps in bold):
FORWARDS
Eloise Blackwell (32) - Auckland
Les Elder (nee Ketu) (9) - Bay of Plenty
Fiao'o Faamausili (52) (captain) - Auckland
Aldora Itunu (15) - Auckland
Linda Itunu (35) - Auckland
Pip Love (2) - Canterbury
Charmaine McMenamin (14) - Auckland
Aleisha Nelson (26) - Auckland
Joanah Ngan-Woo - Wellington
Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate (20) - Counties Manukau
Marcelle Parkes - Wellington
Jackie Patea-Fereti (12) - Wellington
Leilani Perese - Counties Manukau
Aroha Savage (28) - Counties Manukau
Charmaine Smith (16) - Auckland
Cristo Tofa - North HarbourBACKS
Chelsea Alley (15) - Waikato
Kendra Cocksedge (42) (vc) - Canterbury
Krysten Cottrell - Hawke's Bay
Kiritapu Demant (2) - Auckland
Ruahei Demant - Auckland
Theresa Fitzpatrick (7) - Auckland
Alena Saili - Southland
Kristina Sue (10) - Manawatu
Monica Tagoai - Wellington
Stacey Waaka (11) - Waikato
Renee Wickliffe (30) - Bay of Plenty
Selica Winiata (31) (vc) - Manawatu- Not considered due to injury: Toka Natua (Waikato), Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali (Counties Manukau).
Experienced captain Fiao’o Faamausili will lead an exciting young squad featuring eight new caps when the Black Ferns play Australia for the Laurie O'Reilly Memorial Trophy next month. Faamausili is the most-capped Black Fern (52) and is a five-time Women’s Rugby World Cup veteran. Selica Winiata (31) and Kendra Cocksedge(42) have been named as co-vice captains. Black Ferns Head Coach Glenn Moore has ushered in four new backs and four new forwards to a 28-strong squad to play in matches that will anchor two huge double headers with the All Blacks’ Bledisloe Cup matches against Australia in Sydney and Auckland. The Black Ferns will get their first opportunity for a hit-out in a warm up Game of Three Halves against Bay of Plenty Volcanix and Auckland Storm in Tauranga next month. The new caps are Krysten Cottrell (Hawke’s Bay), Ruahei Demant (Auckland), Alena Saili (Southland), and Monica Tagoai (Wellington) in the backs, and Joanah Ngan-Woo, Marcelle Parkes (both Wellington), Leilani Perese (Counties Manukau) and Cristo Tofa (North Harbour) in the forwards.Parkes’ selection completes a meteoric rise for the 20-year-old. Parkes had already represented New Zealand in softball and netball before her impressive Sevens debut for Wellington led to her securing a Black Ferns contract earlier this year.The Demant siblings join the Itunu sisters (Aldora and Linda) in the line-up, and will be the fourth set of sisters to represent the Black Ferns.Moore and his selectors named two 2018 Sevens Rugby World Cup players, in Stacey Waaka and Theresa Fitzpatrick, as well as Alena Saili, who is also currently contracted in the Black Ferns Sevens wider squad. Saili secured a sevens contract in her first year out of school and Moore said he was looking forward to seeing what impact she would have in the 15s. Moore said all three made themselves available for selection with the support of their Sevens coaches.“Black Ferns Sevens Head Coach Allan Bunting and I are in constant contact about the selection and availability of players and the athletes’ welfare is always paramount. It’s been a massive season for the Black Ferns Sevens, and they are already steadfastly focussed on the Tokyo Olympics. “Portia [Woodman], Sarah [Goss] and Kelly [Brazier] have decided to concentrate on their World Cup recovery and preparation for Tokyo for the time being and we all support what is best for them,” he said.http://www.allblacks.com/News/32702/black-ferns-squad-named-for-august-tests
