Black Ferns name five uncapped stars in 31-player squad for 2026 Tests

Ngano Tavake, Amarante Sititi, Elinor-Plum King, Maia Davis and Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a have all earned their first Black Ferns call-ups as New Zealand look to build towards a demanding run of Tests later this year.

Head coach Whitney Hansen has opted for a blend of established experience and emerging talent, with the five new faces providing a glimpse of the next generation pushing their way into the international set-up.

Here are the five players who could make their Black Ferns debuts.

A powerful loosehead prop, Tavake has emerged as one of the most consistent front-rowers in New Zealand women's rugby. The 25-year-old was a regular for Hurricanes Poua throughout this year's Super Rugby Aupiki campaign and has been with the franchise since its inception.

Her rise has been built on physicality and strong ball-carrying, while she has also established herself as a key figure for the Manawatū Cyclones, having represented the province for seven seasons. A product of St Peter's College in Palmerston North, Tavake now has the opportunity to take the next step and challenge for a place in the Black Ferns front row.

At just 19, Sititi is the youngest of the five uncapped players – and one of the most intriguing prospects in the squad. The Blues lock has already made a significant impression despite her age, combining explosive ball-carrying with physical defence and a relentless work rate.

Sititi attended Auckland Girls' Grammar School, where she served as Head Girl, before progressing through the Auckland rugby pathway. Her breakthrough came during the 2025 Farah Palmer Cup campaign with Auckland Storm, where she won both the Auckland Rugby FPC Emerging Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year awards. Her performances for the Blues in Super Rugby Aupiki have now earned her a chance at the highest level.

King's selection is the latest step in an impressive rise through the Manawatū rugby system. The 22-year-old loose forward has built a reputation as a high-energy, physical and fiercely competitive player for the Manawatū Cyclones in the Farah Palmer Cup.

She represented Matatū during this year's Super Rugby Aupiki season after previously spending two campaigns with Hurricanes Poua. King has also previously been involved in the Black Ferns XV programme, meaning her latest call-up represents a significant opportunity to push towards a first senior international appearance.

With competition for places in the Black Ferns loose forwards particularly fierce, her work rate and physicality could make her a valuable option.

Davis brings a different dimension to the group, having already gained international experience in sevens. The 20-year-old outside back impressed for Matatū during this year's Super Rugby Aupiki campaign and has also been part of the Black Ferns Sevens programme.

Davis made her international sevens debut at the 2025 Canada Sevens in Vancouver and was part of the New Zealand side that won the Hong Kong Sevens later that year. She also has two seasons of Farah Palmer Cup experience with Manawatū Cyclones behind her. Her speed, energy and attacking instincts could make her an exciting option out wide as she transitions into the Black Ferns environment.

Another teenager earning her first opportunity, Tuliau-Tua'a has quickly established herself as one of New Zealand's most promising young outside backs.

The 19-year-old winger is renowned for her pace, agility and try-scoring ability and has already represented Chiefs Manawa in Super Rugby Aupiki and Waikato in the Farah Palmer Cup.

Her development began through the rugby programmes at Sacred Heart Girls' College and Hamilton Girls' High School before she earned selection for the New Zealand Under-18 Sevens programme.

Now, she has the chance to take another major step in her career.

With the Black Ferns preparing for a packed second half of 2026, Tuliau-Tua'a's inclusion provides Hansen with another exciting attacking option.

The five uncapped players are part of a wider squad refresh that also sees the return of Santo Taumata, who last appeared for the Black Ferns as part of their 2022 Rugby World Cup-winning squad, and centre Alena Saili, who has not featured for New Zealand since 2018.

Fullback Braxton Sorensen-McGee also returns, while loose forward Layla Sae completes her comeback from an ACL injury. Hansen believes the strength of Super Rugby Aupiki made selection particularly difficult.

“The quality of rugby in Sky Super Rugby Aupiki continues to rise every year. The competition for spots in the squad is stronger than ever, with so many talented players across every position,” Hansen said.

The Black Ferns will first face Black Ferns XV before taking on Australia in the O'Reilly Cup, South Africa as part of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry and then competing in the WXV Global Series.

With the British and Irish Lions Women's Tour on the horizon in 2027, the next few months represent a crucial opportunity for New Zealand's emerging talent to stake their claim.