The Black Ferns have included co-captain Kennedy Simon and wing Ayesha Leti-I’iga in their 30-strong squad for arguably the toughest tour since 2021.
Leti-I’iga hasn’t featured for the Black Ferns this season due to an ACL injury, while Simon was ruled out of last month’s second O’Reilly Cup match against Australia due to an ankle injury.
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While Simon has shown what she adds to the squad this season, there will be plenty of interest in Leti-I’iga’s return as she hasn’t really had the chance to build on her momentum from the Rugby World Cup in Auckland in 2022.
The 25-year-old was among the stars of the tournament, scoring two tries in the final to help the Black Ferns on their way to the title.
“To have Ayesha returning is special,” Black Ferns’ said head coach Allan Bunting.
“She has worked hard for this opportunity. She is lethal [on] both sides of the ball, and her experience and character really enhance our environment on and off the field. We look forward to seeing her get back out there.”
Loose forward Marcelle Parkes and prop Kate Henwood will also return to the squad to add depth in the pack, recovering from knee and shoulder injuries respectively.
The Black Ferns depart early next month for their four-test tour, starting with a standalone meeting with England at Twickenham September 15.
There's also the WXV 1 tournament, with tests against Ireland (September 29), England (October 7), and France (October 13).
Forwards: Alana Bremner, Amy Rule, Atlanta Lolohea, Chelsea Bremner, Chryss Viliko, Georgia Ponsonby, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Kate Henwood, Kennedy Simon (co-capt), Layla Sae, Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, Lucy Jenkins, Luka Connor, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Marcelle Parkes, Phillipa Love, Tanya Kalounivale.
Backs: Amy Du Plessis, Ayesha Leti-I'iga, Hannah King, Iritana Hohaia, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Sylvia Brunt, Maia Joseph, Mererangi Paul, Patricia Maliepo, Renee Holmes, Ruahei Demant (co-capt), Ruby Tui.
Unavailable for selection: Awhina Tangen Wainohu (neck), Grace Leaso Gago (neck), Santo Taumata (knee), Sophie Fisher (neck).
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