Latest news with #MaiaJoseph
RNZ News
3 days ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
Black Ferns World Cup rookies keen to test themselves on the biggest stage
Kaipo Olsen-Baker of the Black Ferns with fans. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2025 Maia Joseph and Kaipo Olsen-Baker have never been to a Rugby World Cup and it will be the biggest highlight and biggest challenge of their careers. The pair have been in camp with the Black Ferns in Wellington following last week's World Cup squad naming and with the team due to fly out to England for their title defence on 13 August, things have been getting pretty full on at training, with Joseph sporting a black eye. "I got this the first training of camp last week. So, yeah I think the intensity's definitely gone up since being named in the World Cup squad. Everyone's really hungry and excited for the first game," Joseph said. Maia Joseph playing for the Black Ferns. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2024 It will be the first major tournament for Joseph, Olsen-Baker and several other Black Ferns players, but there are still a large group of veterans in the World Cup squad who've either been to a previous tournament or an Olympic Games. Halfback Joseph has been learning a lot about World Cup rugby. "I've had really good conversations with Kelly Brazier . This is obviously her fourth World Cup. She's just kind of explained to us how different it is in terms of the pressure and the stakes and I guess the expectations on us as the Black Ferns. "Most of her advice has been around being present, being really in the moment. I think her missing the last World Cup, she learnt that these things are very rare to be a part of. "That's what I'm going to take into it and just try, on and off the field, to make the most of every moment over there." Olsen-Baker can barely contain her excitement at the prospect of heading to England, but she concedes there will be times it could be difficult. "Definitely being away from my family would be a huge challenge. I'm such a family person," Olsen-Baker said. "So being halfway across the world, I guess, is a big challenge, but Maya's parents and them are coming, so that's like my second family, which is nice." Kaipo Olsen-Baker of New Zealand. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/ For Olsen-Baker, her first World Cup appearance feels like a long time coming. She made her Black Ferns debut in 2022 but injury meant the loose forward didn't feature at the the 2021 World Cup in New Zealand (played in 2022). "Just can't wait to play some footy. I was literally watching training last week and I'm like, oh my god itchy feet. I can't wait to get back out on the field." Injury also curtailed Joseph's chances of playing at the last World Cup, but watching the Black Ferns win the title reaffirmed her desire to play at the global tournament. "I was actually at home (during the last World Cup final). I had just ruptured my ACL and I had just had surgery so I was at home watching with my mum. "I think it was really inspiring watching that game and seeing how New Zealand got behind the Black Ferns. Watching them win in front of a sold out Eden Park, that was definitely a pivotal moment in me wanting to experience the same thing. I'm just really excited to go to be honest." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Otago Daily Times
7 days ago
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Joseph relieved to get call-up
Maia Joseph's passport is getting another stamp. The Otago Spirit halfback is heading to England after being named in the Black Ferns Rugby World Cup squad to defend their title. "It's really exciting," Joseph told the Otago Daily Times. "Obviously you never know if you're going to make it or not. It was relieving and exciting." Joseph, 23, has played 11 tests since earning her inaugural Black Ferns contract last season and has mainly been the preferred halfback since. She played three seasons for the Otago Spirit — "I definitely take pride from being from Otago" — and played for Chiefs Manawa in 2022, before tearing her ACL and MCL that year. She returned for Matatu, where she has been a standout the past two seasons. "I've grown heaps as a player. "I'm really happy with how far I've come, but you know, there's still a bit of a way to go before the World Cup, so it'll be a big [few] weeks in camp before we head away." Joseph has healthy competition for the No9 jersey, sevens star Risaleaana Pouri-Lane and Hurricanes halfback Iritana Hohaia named alongside her. "It's definitely competitive," Joseph said. "All three of us want to be the best, but we're also really good friends and make sure we help each other and lift each other up as much as we can." Joseph believed the Black Ferns had come a long way in the past 12 months and the competition among the group was fierce. "I think our coaches have done a really good job of installing some new cool things. "We started a bit rusty, but as time's gone on and had more time together, it's come together quite good," she said. The squad, comprising 19 forwards and 14 backs, is a blend of experienced heads and exciting raw talent. Experienced playmaker Kelly Brazier, who is originally from Dunedin, has also been selected for her fourth world cup and Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Theresa Setefano and Stacey Waaka have been named for their third. World Rugby women's sevens player of the year Jorja Miller is among a strong loose forward unit and teenage fullback Braxton Sorensen is the youngest member at 18. Matatu lock Laura Bayfield, who debuted for the Black Ferns earlier this month, has also been given the nod. She is joined by Matatu team-mates Alana and Chelsea Bremner, Georgia Ponsonby, Amy Rule, Kaipo Olsen-Baker and Amy du Plessis. But there is no room for winger Ruby Tui, who is the big omission after being dropped earlier this year. Matatu first five Hannah King, who was nominated for world breakthrough player of the year in 2024, has also been left out of the squad and is currently in South Africa with the Black Ferns XV. Prop Krystal Murray is a non-travelling reserve. Sixteen players return from the 2022 winning squad, including co-captains Ruahei Demant and Kennedy Tukuafu. Black Ferns coach Allan Bunting said more than half the players had competed at "pinnacle events". "We are really excited about this group and truly believe they can take us to the next level," Bunting said. "We've got vast experience across our squad." The Black Ferns leave on August 13 and start their title defence, against Spain, on August 25. Black Ferns Rugby World Cup squad Props: Kate Henwood, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Chryss Viliko, Tanya Kalounivale, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Amy Rule. Hookers: Atlanta Lolohea, Vici-Rose Green, Georgia Ponsonby. Locks: Maia Roos, Alana Bremner, Chelsea Bremner, Laura Bayfield. Loose forwards: Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, Jorja Miller, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Layla Sae, Kennedy Tukuafu. Halfbacks: Maia Joseph, Iritana Hohaia, Risaleaana Pouri-Lane. First fives: Ruahei Demant, Kelly Brazier. Midfielders: Sylvia Brunt, Amy du Plessis, Theresa Setefano, Stacey Waaka. Outside backs: Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Renee Holmes, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Ayesha Leti-I'iga.
Otago Daily Times
7 days ago
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Joseph named in Black Ferns World Cup squad
Otago halfback Maia Joseph has been named in the Black Ferns squad to defend their Rugby World Cup title next month. The Otago Spirit back is among the 33-strong squad heading to England unveiled at a function in Upper Hutt this evening. It will be the first pinnacle event for the 23-year-old, who has earned 11 caps since making her international debut last year. Stalwart playmaker Kelly Brazier — who hails from Dunedin — has also been selected for her fourth World Cup, at 35, and Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Theresa Setefano and Stacey Waaka have been named for their third World Cup. Sevens stars Jorja Miller and Risaleaana Pouri-Lane have been included. Teenager Braxton Sorensen-McGee is the youngest to be named after the 18-year-old fullback's break out season. Matatu lock Laura Bayfield, who debuted for the Black Ferns against Australia earlier this month, has also been given the nod. She is joined by Matatu team-mates Alana and Chelsea Bremner, Georgia Ponsonby, Amy Rule, Kaipo Olsen-Baker and Amy du Plessis. But there is no room for winger Ruby Tui, who is the big omission from the squad after being dropped earlier this year. Matatu first five Hannah King, who was nominated for world breakthrough player of the year in 2024, has also been left out of the squad and is currently in South Africa with the Black Ferns XV. The Black Ferns are the defending champions after beating England 24-21 in front of a sold out Eden Park in 2022. Sixteen players from that squad return, including co-captains Ruahei Demant and Kennedy Tukuafu. Black Ferns director of performance Allan Bunting congratulated the 33 players selected. 'On behalf of the coaching group, I'd like to congratulate all our players named tonight in front of their whānau. We are really excited about this group and truly believe they can take us to the next level,' Bunting said. 'We've got vast experience across our squad, with more than half of our players having competed at pinnacle events. 'While it's an exciting time for those selected, I'd like to acknowledge the players who have missed out. Their contribution to the black jersey and to our team this year has been immense, and we wouldn't be where we are today without them. 'The level of depth and internal competition we have seen from our wider squad made the selection process very difficult, however this speaks to the growth and exciting future of women's rugby in Aotearoa.' The Black Ferns start their title defence against Spain on August 25. Black Ferns World Cup Squad Loosehead props *Kate Henwood (36, Chiefs Manawa, Bay of Plenty, 10 Tests) Awhina Tangen-Wainohu (27, Blues, Waikato, 7 Tests) *Chryss Viliko (24, Blues, Auckland, 13 Tests) Hookers *Atlanta Lolohea (22, Blues, Canterbury, 7 Tests) *Vici-Rose Green (22, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 2 Tests) Georgia Ponsonby (25, Matatū, Canterbury, 31 Tests) Tighthead props Tanya Kalounivale (26, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 22 Tests) *Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (20, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 1 Test) Amy Rule (25, Matatū, Canterbury, 30 Tests) Locks *Laura Bayfield (26, Matatū, Canterbury, 1 Test) Alana Bremner (28, Matatū, Canterbury, 29 Tests) Chelsea Bremner (30, Matatū, Canterbury, 22 Tests) Maiakawanakaulani Roos (23, Blues, Auckland, 33 Tests) Loose forwards Liana Mikaele-Tu'u (23, Blues, Auckland, 29 Tests) *Jorja Miller (21, Black Ferns Sevens, Canterbury, 2 Tests) *Kaipo Olsen-Baker (23, Matatū, Manawatū, 12 Tests) *Layla Sae (24, Hurricanes Poua, Manawatū, 14 Tests) Kennedy Tukuafu (28, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 30 Tests) Halfbacks *Iritana Hohaia (25, Hurricanes Poua, Taranaki, 17 Tests) *Maia Joseph (23, Matatū, Otago, 11 Tests) *Risaleaana Pouri-Lane (25, Black Ferns Sevens, Tasman, 2 Tests) First five-eighths Kelly Brazier (35, Chiefs Manawa, Bay of Plenty, 43 Tests) Ruahei Demant (30, Blues, Auckland, 45 Tests) Midfielders Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai'i Sylvia Brunt (21, Blues, Auckland, 25 Tests) Amy du Plessis (26, Matatū, Canterbury, 21 Tests) Theresa Setefano (30, Blues, Auckland, 19 Tests) Stacey Waaka (29, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 27 Tests) Outside backs Renee Holmes (25, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 23 Tests) Ayesha Leti-I'iga (26, Hurricanes Poua, Wellington, 26 Tests) *Braxton Sorensen-McGee (18, Blues, Auckland, 3 Tests) *Katelyn Vahaakolo (25, Blues, Auckland, 17 Tests) Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (34, Blues, Northland, 27 Tests) Non-travelling reserve Krystal Murray (32, Chiefs Manawa, Northland, 14 Tests) *denotes first Rugby World Cup
Otago Daily Times
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Chance for redemption for Joseph and Black Ferns
There is nothing people love more than a good redemption story. Otago halfback Maia Joseph could be in the thick of one when the Black Ferns look to reverse their fortunes against Canada in Christchurch tomorrow. Joseph has been named to start at halfback again in a repeat of the clash in the same city where Canada recorded their first win over the Black Ferns last year. Matatu prop Amy Rule returns to the starting lineup at tighthead, after coming off the bench in the Pacific Four opener against Australia last week. She joins three other Super Rugby Aupiki team-mates — hooker Georgia Ponsonby, lock Alana Bremner and centre Amy du Plessis — in the starting side. No 8 Kaipo Olsen-Baker shifts to the bench and first five Hannah King will again make impact from the reserves. Liana Mikaele-Tu'u replaces Olsen-Baker in the back row, and Portia Woodman-Wickliffe has been named on the right wing, her first international union clash since the Rugby World Cup final in 2022, when she left the field early due to injury. Breakout 18-year-old Braxton Sorensen-McGee retains her spot at fullback after scoring a brace on debut last week, and Ayseha Leti-I'iga shifts to the left wing, with Katelyn Vahaakolo left out of the 23. Coach Allan Bunting has resisted the urge to name any of the sevens players who joined the squad this year, many only joining the Black Ferns in the past week. But there is no doubt Woodman-Wickliffe's return to the international stage will be a special moment in a hard-fought game. "I'm really excited for Portia to again represent her country in front of friends and whānau," Bunting said. "It will be a special moment for her. It's been awesome seeing the joy in her eyes and everything she does to enhance our environment. "Her willingness to learn and grow is contagious." Canada, who are ranked second in the world behind England, secured their first win over the Black Ferns in Christchurch last year to wrap up the Pacific Four title. They come in off the back of a 26-14 win over the United States two weeks ago, while the Black Ferns — ranked third in the world — beat the Wallaroos 38-12 last weekend. "Last Saturday was a great stepping stone towards where we want to be, and we look forward to seeing how we build off that this week against a quality Canadian side," Bunting said. "We are excited to play our first test at home." Canada are without captain Sophie de Goede, the powerful No 8 and goal kicker, who tore her ACL last year. They will be led by second five Alex Tessier. Kick-off is at 3.35pm.
Otago Daily Times
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Starts for five Matatu players
Maia Joseph. PHOTO: ODT FILES Otago halfback Maia Joseph is ready for her first international test this year. Joseph has been named to start against the Wallaroos in the opening Pacific Four Series test in Australia tomorrow. She is joined in the starting side by four Matatu team-mates. Black Ferns player of the year Kaipo Olsen-Baker is at No8, Georgia Ponsonby provides stability at hooker, Alana Bremner has been named at lock and Amy du Plessis rightly owns the No13 jersey. Prop Amy Rule and first five Hannah King provide cover off the bench. Black Ferns coach Alan Bunting has stuck with an experienced lineup — there is no room for Black Ferns Sevens players who have joined the squad — for the opening test. Blues breakout back Braxton Sorensen-McGee is the only new cap. The 18-year-old will start at fullback after an impressive Super Rugby Aupiki season. "We're super excited for Braxton and we are looking forward to seeing her in the black jersey," Bunting said. "It's going to be a proud moment for her and her whānau. 'Selections have been awarded on consistent form through Sky Super Rugby Aupiki and we are allowing more time for players who weren't selected to learn and settle into our environment. "I've also been really impressed with the attitude within our group.' Bunting has resisted the urge to give superstar back Portia Woodman a run as well, after she came out of international retirement in the Rugby World Cup year. Flanker Kennedy Tukuafu and first five Ruahei Demant continue to co-captain the team and have a settle line up beside them. Hard-nosed runner Layla Sae packs down at blindside, Maia Roos — playing her 30th test — is a big lineout target at lock, and Tanya Kalounivale and Chryss Viliko get the nod at front row. Exciting wingers Ayseha Leti-I'iga and Katelyn Vahaakolo can break through from anywhere and will inject a huge amount of speed out wide and second five Sylvia Brunt is hard to stop. Bunting has gone with a five-three split on the bench. King will cover first five, Iritana Hohaia is the halfback cover and Mererangi Paul can shift across the backline where needed. The Laurie O'Reilly Cup will also be on the line for the first time this season. Kick-off is at 5pm.
