New Zealand names inaugural Under 21 women’s rugby team

Anahera Hamahona has been appointed captain of the inaugural New Zealand Under 21 women’s rugby team. The squad is set to face the Australian Next Gen side at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch this Saturday.

Hamahona, an openside from Manawatū, will be supported by vice captains Ella Henderson and Naomi Sopoaga. The match marks a historic international fixture for a New Zealand women’s age-grade fifteens team.

Head Coach Hayden Triggs noted the significance of the match, highlighting that the squad includes several players with experience in Sky Super Rugby Aupiki and the Black Ferns XV. Players such as Keira Su’a-Smith, Amber Mundell, Danny-Elle Fesolai, Lialanie Muamua, and Presayus Singh have previously represented the Black Ferns XV.