Chiefs Manawa, Counties Manukau wing Mererangi Paul gets Black Ferns callup for Women’s Rugby World Cup

Monday, 15 September 2025

Chiefs Manawa and Counties Manukau winger Mererangi Paul has joined the Black Ferns’ Women’s Rugby World Cup squad in England as an injury replacement for Amy du Plessis.

Three of New Zealand’s four midfielders have gone down in six days — Sylvia Brunt and Theresa Setefano (head knocks) are doubts and Amy du Plessis has been ruled out of the tournament with a shoulder injury.

Centre Stacey Waaka was their only midfield specialist known to be available for next weekend’s semifinal after their 46-17 quarterfinal win against South Africa in Exeter on Sunday (NZ time).

“We’re all feeling for Amy as she leaves the squad, but she can be extremely proud of the contribution she’s made to our campaign, and we’ve made sure she’s felt our support over the past 24 hours,” Black Ferns director of performance Allan Bunting said.

“At the same time, it’s a special moment for Mererangi and her whānau for her to get the call and we will welcome her into the squad. She’s a talented Black Fern who has test match experience and covers the midfield. She will bring a lot to the environment.”

Paul has played 12 tests for the Black Ferns since her debut in 2023 and has been playing for Counties Manukau in the Farah Palmer Cup.

At this stage, neither Setefano nor Brunt are certain to be available, while undergoing concussion protocols, to face world No 2 Canada in their semifinal in Bristol next Saturday at 6am (NZ time).

It leaves Bunting with a problem to solve; who to partner Waaka in midfield.

What would be the alternatives?

Waaka is unlikely to shift from her best position at centre, where she is most effective, leaving the potential vacancy at second-five.

Katelyn Vaha’akolo and Ayesha Leti-I’iga are primarily wingers. Braxton Sorensen-McGee, the tournament’s leading try-scorer with eight, has played fullback and wing. None have genuine experience of playing midfield in tests.

Portia Woodman-Wickliffe is one of the game’s most revered wingers, although she has played in midfield for the Blues in this year’s Super Rugby Aupiki.

Ruahei Demant often drops into second-five, but she is the team’s leader and their only specialist No 10.

The other option is the versatile veteran Kelly Brazier. However, she has played only two tests this season after a four-year hiatus and might not be tossed into the cauldron of a World Cup semifinal with such limited playing time.

A wildcard could be openside flanker Jorja Miller because she appears in the wide channels almost like a centre, but that is extremely unlikely.

Bunting will be hoping one or both of Brunt and Setefano can play. Otherwise he will be forced to make a bold selection call.