Five One New Zealand Warriors players including three rugby union converts have been named for the Kiwi Ferns' upcoming Pacific Championships campaign.
Head coach Ricky Henry will again have experienced Warriors captain and Harvey Norman Player of the Year Apii Nicholls (Kiwi Fern #134).
She's joined by the club's rookie of the year Ivana Lauitiiti and three former Black Ferns rugby union internationals Shakira Baker, Tysha Ikenasio and Patricia Maliepo.
Two other Warriors players - prop Matekino Gray and winger Payton Takimoana - are in the wider squad.
Premiership winner Gayle Broughton, just signed by the Warriors from next season, was unavailable for personal reasons.
Back in the side is halfback Raecene McGregor, who returns after a sabbatical in 2024. She is joined by fellow veterans Georgia Hale and Nicholls, with the experienced trio boasting a combined 20 campaigns in the black jersey.
“Those three [Hale, McGregor, and Nicholls] are cornerstones for our team. Their experience is second to none and invaluable at Test level,” said Henry.
“It’s a nod to who we see representing us at next year’s World Cup. We’re always looking ahead to that target, but performing well in the Pacific Championship is key for us.
"It will be a true test to see where we are at, and we can’t wait to see what this group does on the field.”
The Kiwi Ferns will kick off their campaign against Fetu Samoa at Go Media Stadium on 19 October, before a rematch of last year’s final against Australia at Eden Park to earn their place for the decider in Sydney.
NZ Kiwi Ferns | 2025 Pacific Championships
Abigail Roache (North Queensland Cowboys)
Alexis Tauaneai (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Annessa Biddle (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
Apii Nicholls (One New Zealand Warriors)
Ashleigh Quinlan (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Brianna Clark (Brisbane Broncos)
Brooke Anderson (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
Georgia Hale (Gold Coast Titans) co-captain
Ivana Lauitiiti (One New Zealand Warriors)
Leianne Tufuga (Canberra Raiders)
Mele Hufanga (Brisbane Broncos)
Otesa Pule (Sydney Roosters)
Patricia Maliepo (One New Zealand Warriors)
Raecene McGregor (St George Illawarra Dragons) co-captain)
Shakira Baker (One New Zealand Warriors)
Shaniece Monschau (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Shanice Parker (Newcastle Knights)
Tiana Davison (Newcastle Knights)
Tyla King (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
Tysha Ikenasio (One New Zealand Warriors)
Wider squad
Jasmin Strange (Sydney Roosters)
Mackenzie Wiki (Canberra Raiders)
Matekino Gray (New Zealand Warriors)
Moana Courtenay (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Payton Takimoana (New Zealand Warriors)
Tenika Willison (Newcastle Knights)
Trinity Tauaneai (St. George Illawarra Dragons)
Martha Mataele (Parramatta Eels)
Unavailable
Brooke Talataina (Wests Tigers) injury
Gayle Broughton (Brisbane Broncos) personal
Amber Hall (Sydney Roosters) Sāmoa
Jasmine Solia (Gold Coast Titans) injury
