Black Ferns WXV series 2026

The story so far

Coach Whitney Hansen made three changes to the Black Ferns squad for the WXV matches against France, recalling Grace Brooker after a year playing Aussie rules following the departures of Alena Saili and Maia Davis for Sevens commitments.^{7 Oct} In the opening test in Hamilton, the Black Ferns beat France 81-12, scoring 13 tries, with Shyrah Tuliau-Tua'a scoring four of them.^{14, 19 Oct} In the second test in Whangārei, New Zealand won 31-12 after trailing 14-12 at halftime, scoring three late tries.^{22 Oct} Prop Santo Taumata returned to test rugby after an absence of 1,379 days caused by various injuries. Hooker Atlanta Lolohea was ruled out of the final test against France with an ankle injury, and Holly Wratt-Groeneweg was named as her injury cover.^{26 Oct}

Latest

Atlanta Lolohea will miss the season finale against France in Christchurch with an ankle injury.^{26 Oct} Holly Wratt-Groeneweg has been named as injury cover for Lolohea.^{26 Oct}

What's next

The final test against France is in Christchurch this Saturday night.^{26 Oct}

Key moments

1. 7 OctGrace Brooker recalled to squad after a year playing Aussie rules
2. 14 OctBlack Ferns beat France 81-12 in Hamilton opening test
3. 19 OctShyrah Tuliau-Tua'a scores four second-half tries against France
4. 22 OctThree late tries secure 31-12 win in Whangārei after halftime deficit
5. 26 OctAtlanta Lolohea ruled out of final test with ankle injury

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.