The Black Ferns are gearing up for their final home matches of 2025 with a 33-player squad for a trial against Black Ferns XV on July 5 and a Test against Australia on July 12. Featuring the return of Renee Holmes and Kelly Brazier, and Alana Bremner as new co-captain alongside Ruahei Demant, the Black Ferns 2025 July series squad blends experience and emerging talent. Notably, 2022 World Cup star Ruby Tui was omitted, sparking debate. This article covers the squad, key matchups, schedule, and how to watch live globally. For more, read our Black Ferns 2025 news.
Black Ferns Squad: Key Returns and New Leadership
Announced on June 30, 2025, the 33-player squad includes four changes from the Pacific Four Series, with backs Renee Holmes and Kelly Brazier returning to bolster the backline. Holmes, known for her 80% goal-kicking accuracy, and Brazier, a veteran at fly-half with 50 caps, add depth to the attack. Lock Alana Bremner joins Ruahei Demant as co-captain, bringing lineout expertise (85% retention rate) and leadership, as seen in her Pacific Four Series charges. Coach Allan Bunting praised the squad’s depth, noting, “Internal competition is intense, and Renee, Kelly, Mia, and Laura have earned their spots”. However, Ruby Tui’s absence, despite her 2022 World Cup heroics, has fans buzzing on X, with one post calling it “a shock omission” (). Explore the squad’s depth in our rising stars feature.
Trial Match and Australia Test Preview
The July 5 trial against Black Ferns XV in Whangārei, a double-header with the Māori All Blacks vs Scotland, tests squad depth ahead of the World Cup. The July 12 Test against Australia at Sky Stadium, Wellington, is the Black Ferns’ final home game before their World Cup title defense in England. Australia, fresh off a 38-12 loss in the Pacific Four Series, will rely on wingers Maya Stewart and Desiree Miller to challenge New Zealand’s defense, led by Kennedy Tukuafu’s 88% tackle rate. Bunting’s focus on ruck speed (90% retention) will counter Australia’s breakdown work. For tactical insights, see our breakdown analysis and Pacific Four recap.
Black Ferns 2025 July Series Schedule
The Black Ferns’ July series includes two key home matches before the World Cup squad announcement on July 25. Below are the fixtures:
| Date | Opponent | Time (NZST) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 5, 2025 | Black Ferns XV (Trial) | 1:05 PM | Semenoff Stadium, Whangārei |
| July 12, 2025 | Australia | 4:30 PM | Sky Stadium, Wellington |
Tickets start at NZ$30 (adults) and NZ$15 (children) via allblacks.com. For the full schedule, including World Cup fixtures, visit our Black Ferns schedule.
Key Players to Watch
Co-captains Ruahei Demant and Alana Bremner drive the team, with Demant’s playmaking (90% pass accuracy) and Bremner’s lineout dominance. Renee Holmes’ return strengthens the back three, while Kelly Brazier’s experience at fly-half adds kicking precision. Young fullback Braxton Sorensen-McGee, a Pacific Four standout, brings flair. For more on their attack, read our backline analysis. The absence of Ruby Tui shifts focus to wingers like Katelyn Vaha’akolo, who praised the new “Serve the Fern” kit (). See our World Cup guide for context.
Ruby Tui’s Omission Sparks Debate
Ruby Tui’s exclusion, following her Pacific Four Series omission, has stirred controversy. Despite her 2022 World Cup heroics, Bunting cited intense competition and squad depth as reasons (). X posts reflect mixed sentiments, with some fans arguing Tui’s flair is unmatched, while others back Bunting’s focus on form (). This decision sets the stage for a competitive World Cup squad announcement on July 25. For more on selection battles, see our preparations analysis.
How to Watch Black Ferns 2025 July Series Live
Catch every moment with these global streaming options:
- JokerHDPass: Stream in HD on JokerHDPass, ideal for geo-restricted regions, supporting smart TVs and mobiles.
- NZR+: Free streaming in select regions at NZR+. Verify eligibility.
- Sky Sport Now: Stream in New Zealand via Sky Sport Now (NZ$24.99/week).
- Stan Sport: Australian fans can watch on Stan Sport (A$15/month + base plan).
- FloRugby: USA viewers can stream via FloRugby ($29.99/month).
Use a VPN like NordVPN for geo-restricted streams. A 5 Mbps connection ensures HD quality. Visit our streaming guide for tips.
World Cup Build-Up and Expectations
The July series is the Black Ferns’ final home preparation before their World Cup title defense against Spain on August 24 in York (). With Bremner’s leadership and Holmes’ return, they aim to refine their fluid attack, as seen in their 79-14 Pacific Four win over the USA. Despite a challenging 2024 with losses to England and Canada (), Bunting’s squad is primed to challenge World No. 1 England. Follow ABS Rugby for World Cup updates!
Who’s your Black Ferns pick for the July series? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation on social media with #BlackFerns2025!