Spirit players claim spots in World Cup training squad

Angie Sisifa.
Angie Sisifa.
Two Otago players are among a 51-strong New Zealand squad heading towards the 2017 Women's Rugby World Cup.

Otago Spirit players Angie Sisifa and Greer Muir were both named in a training squad announced by Black Ferns' coach Glenn Moore yesterday.

Sisifa is a loose forward while Muir is a midfield back.

The squad would provide the basis for the team that will represent New Zealand in August's World Cup in Ireland and Northern Ireland, he said.

''We'll be making World Cup selections from this wider training group.''

Greer Muir.
Greer Muir.
The Women's World Cup in Ireland and Northern Ireland was the focus for 2017, Moore said. ''We want to make sure we take the strongest squad possible to the World Cup.''

Moore is happy with the mix of rugby talent that has lined up.

''With an Olympic medal-winning sevens team and a growing provincial tournament, there's a lot of talent out there and the number of women with the black jersey in their sights is on the rise.''

The squad features all 2016 Black Ferns and includes Black Ferns Linda Itunu, Justine Lavea, Lesley Ketu and Stacey Waaka, who are all returning from injury.

The 51 members of the announced squad will now take part in a regional training programme to identify and develop the best players in the country.

Black Ferns trials will take place in mid-May before a yet to be confirmed international home series in June.

 

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