Ruby Tui playing for Chiefs Manawa, 2025. Photo: Jeremy Ward / PHOTOSPORT
2022 World Cup star Ruby Tui has fought her way back into contention for this year's tournament after being named in the Black Ferns squad for Saturday's Test against Australia in Wellington.
Tui missed out on selection when Black Ferns coach Alan Bunting named his squad in May for the Pacific Four series.
She played in the trial game between the Black Ferns and a Black Ferns XV last weekend and was then called into the squad earlier this week as injury cover.
Tui has been named on the bench for the O'Reilly Cup game against the Australia.
She is set to play her 20th Test for New Zealand.
Sevens star Kelly Brazier will play in her first Test since 2021, bringing over 15 years' experience to the team.
Matatū lock Laura Bayfield is in line for her Black Ferns debut off the bench following an impressive performance for the Black Ferns XV in Whangārei last weekend.
Bunting said both Bayfield and Brazier had earned this weekend's opportunities based on hard work.
"Laura was a standout throughout Super Rugby Aupiki this year and has put in the work. She topped all stats for the Black Ferns XV in Whangārei and deserves her opportunity to debut this weekend.
"It has also been great having Kelly in the July Series squad, her experience has really added to our depth at 10."
Saturday's game will be the Black Ferns last on home soil before they head to the World Cup in England.
Black Ferns squad:
1 Chryss Viliko
2 Georgia Ponsonby
3 Tanya Kalounivale
4 Maiakawanakaulani Roos
5 Chelsea Bremner
6 Alana Bremner (cc)
7 Jorja Miller
8 Liana Mikaele-Tu’u
9 Risaleaana Pouri-Lane
10 Ruahei Demant (cc)
11 Katelyn Vahaakolo
12 Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai’i Sylvia Brunt
13 Stacey Waaka
14 Portia Woodman-Wickliffe
15 Renee Holmes
16 Vici-Rose Green
17 Awhina Tangen-Wainohu
18 Amy Rule (30th Test)
19 Laura Bayfield*
20 Layla Sae
21 Iritana Hohaia
22 Kelly Brazier
23 Ruby Tui (20th Test)
*denotes debut
