New Zealand Women’s Sevens RWC squad named

New Zealand Women’s Sevens Coach Darryl Suasua has today announced his 12-strong squad for the inaugural Women’s Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai.

All but three of the squad bring international experience having played with the 15-a-side Black Ferns previously, making a switch to Sevens for the inaugural women’s Rugby World Cup event.

The New Zealand Women’s Rugby World Cup Sevens squad is: Exia Edwards (Bay of Plenty), Julie Ferguson (Hawke’s Bay) Victoria Grant (Auckland), Carla Hohepa (Otago), Linda Itunu (Auckland), Justine Lavea (Auckland), Huriana Manuel (Auckland), Hannah Porter (Captain, Auckland), Teresa Te Tamaki (Auckland), Renee Wickliffe (Counties Manukau), Rachel Wikeepa (Waikato), Selica Winiata (Manawatu).

Wellington’s Aimee Sutorius was not available for selection after suffering a deep cut to her forehead.

The three players who have not played for the Black Ferns are Julie Ferguson, Renee Wickliffe and Rachel Wikeepa.

“This has been a tough squad to pick, in part because this is a new challenge for our women’s players and also because of the competition for places from among our experienced internationals and some new players who have put their hand up,” said Suasua.

“We are really looking forward to the challenge of this first women’s Rugby World Cup Sevens.”

Hannah Porter has been named captain of the side and is also relishing the prospect of being the first to lead New Zealand into an international Sevens tournament.

“New Zealand has a proud record in women’s rugby with the Black Ferns – but this sevens campaign is a whole different thing. We have very little experience in this version of the game and we seem to be learning a bit more every day. I just hope we will be able to hit the ground running.” she said.

However, the New Zealand team do not start as favourites, having lost the qualifying tournament final to Australia in Samoa in 2008.

“As it is the first of its kind, this tournament is wide open so we will need to be ready to play from the opening game,” said Porter.

The New Zealand team start their Tournament against Uganda, before taking on Italy and then South Africa in pool play on the opening day of the women’s competition.

The 2009 Women’s Rugby World Cup Sevens takes place in Dubai from 6-7 March.

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For further information contact: Brian Finn

NZRU Communications Manager / Team Media Liaison

M: 027 229 5380 (in New Zealand)

M: +64 27 229 5380 (from outside New Zealand)

E: brian.finn@nzrugby.co.nz

For information and updates on the Rugby World Cup Sevens, go to the official Tournament website - www.rwcsevens.com