Black Ferns Shift Focus to Future After Rugby World Cup Exit

The Black Ferns have concluded their journey at the Rugby World Cup in England, securing a third-place finish following a 42-26 victory over France at Twickenham. This marks the end of their reign as champions, prompting a shift in focus towards future opportunities for New Zealand’s national women’s rugby team.

Having long been recognized as a dominant force in women’s rugby, New Zealand’s early exit from the title race is a significant moment for the team. The competition revealed the evolving dynamics of international rugby, highlighting the need for ongoing development as rivals like England, France, and Canada continue to invest heavily in their women’s programmes.

The 2023 Rugby World Cup showcased the critical importance of a professional pathway for players, alongside robust club and domestic competitions. While the introduction of Super Rugby Aupiki has been a positive step, its brief season has drawn criticism for not adequately preparing players for the rigors of a global tournament.

Black Ferns assistant coach Tony Christie acknowledged the necessity of expanding domestic and international fixtures. “We go through a review after every big pinnacle event,” Christie stated. “That’s something that we’ll obviously look into ourselves, and New Zealand Rugby.” The anticipated WXV Global Series is also expected to enhance long-term performance and ensure commercial sustainability in women’s rugby by providing more consistent competitive opportunities.

Despite the disappointment felt after this tournament, Christie expressed optimism regarding the team’s future prospects. “There’s massive potential in this team. I believe we had the team to win the World Cup; we just didn’t put it together,” he noted. The majority of the squad will return for the next cycle, providing a solid foundation for growth.

Veteran player Portia Woodman-Wickliffe reflected on the significance of the bronze medal match, which could have been her final appearance in the black jersey. “Next year, who knows where that goes. Ultimately, I really want to have babies at some stage, and that plan is kind of on the go as well,” she mentioned. “You always play the black jersey as your last match and I’m really grateful for this opportunity.” Woodman-Wickliffe expressed confidence in the team’s future, highlighting promising talents like Jorja Miller and 18-year-old Braxton Sorensen-McGee.

“The way she holds herself, she’s so coachable, so talented, and just has the confidence and belief in herself that she can do what she needs to do out on the field,” Woodman-Wickliffe said of Sorensen-McGee.

Looking ahead to the next Women’s Rugby World Cup set to take place in Australia in 2029, co-captain Ruahei Demant urged fans to continue their support for the sport. “Continue to support, continue to watch, continue to spotlight women’s sport,” she said. Woodman-Wickliffe added, “You’ve seen what countries can do with barely any resources; imagine how much further this game could grow if we all afforded the same opportunities, the same resourcing, the same amount of games.”

The Black Ferns now have a four-year runway to rebuild and enhance their competitive edge. The team’s future remains bright, driven by a commitment to growth and development in the evolving landscape of women’s rugby.