20 Matatū players earn Black Ferns and Black Ferns XV selection

Twenty Matatū players have been recognised on the national stage after being named across the Black Ferns and Black Ferns XV squads announced today.

Eleven Matatū players have been selected in the Black Ferns squad ahead of an exciting end-of-year programme that includes clashes with Australia, France, Scotland and England.

A further nine players have been named in the Black Ferns XV side, which will take on the Black Ferns in Upper Hutt this week.

Leading the Matatū contingent in the Black Ferns squad are experienced internationals Georgia Ponsonby, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Maia Joseph, Amy du Plessis and Hannah King. They're joined by fellow Matatū teammates Maddison Robinson, Santo Taumata, Laura Bayfield, Alena Saili, and two uncapped Black Ferns – Maia Davis and Elinor-Plum King.

The Black Ferns begin their campaign against the Black Ferns XV at Maidstone Park on 14 August before opening the defence of the O'Reilly Cup against Australia in Auckland a week later. The squad will then take on France, Scotland and England during an international schedule across New Zealand and Europe.

Matatū is also strongly represented in the Black Ferns XV squad, with nine players earning the opportunity to impress against the world champions.

Natalie Delamere, Holly Wratt-Groeneweg, Paris Lokotui, Emma Dermody and Sarah Jones have all been selected in the forwards, while Kelsyn McCook, Grace Brooker, Winnie Palamo and Lialanie Muamua have been named in the backs.

Delamere and Brooker bring valuable Black Ferns experience to the side, while several others will have the opportunity to test themselves against the country's best players.

We’re so proud of all of our athletes named, and can’t wait to see them represent us on the world stage.

Matatū players named in the Black Ferns squad:

• Maddison Robinson

• Georgia Ponsonby

• Santo Taumata

• Laura Bayfield

• Kaipo Olsen-Baker

• Elinor-Plum King (uncapped)

• Maia Joseph

• Hannah King

• Amy du Plessis

• Alena Saili

• Maia Davis (uncapped)

Matatū players named in the Black Ferns XV squad:

• Natalie Delamere (capped Black Fern)

• Holly Wratt-Groeneweg

• Paris Lokotui

• Emma Dermody

• Sarah Jones

• Kelsyn McCook

• Grace Brooker (capped Black Fern)

• Winnie Palamo

• Lialanie Muamua

Black Ferns XV v Black Ferns
Thursday 14 August, 3.30pm
Maidstone Park, Upper Hutt

The match will be open to fans to attend free of charge, along with a dedicated livestream on blackferns.com and Black Ferns YouTube.