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Black Ferns XV axing a missed opportunity ahead of Rugby World ...

Black Ferns XV axing a missed opportunity ahead of Rugby World
OPINION: Shelving development squad allows rivals to catch up with NZ.

Ireland's first win over the Black Ferns at this year's WXV tournament shows how the rest of the world has caught up with New Zealand. Photo / Photosport

THREE KEY FACTS

  • The All Blacks XV squad has been announced ahead of a tour to play Munster and Georgia
  • A Black Ferns XV squad was selected in 2023, but has not yet been formed this year
  • The Women’s Rugby World begins in August 2025

Alice Soper is a sports columnist for the Herald on Sunday. A former provincial rugby player and current club coach, she has a particular interest in telling stories of the emerging world of women sports.

OPINION

At the end of last year, the Black Ferns

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