Black Ferns star edges closer to return from injury
Black Ferns star Ayesha Leti-I’iga could be considered for next month’s Pacific Four Series after taking a big step forward in her journey back from a long-term injury.
Leti-I’iga was one of the heroes during New Zealand’s Rugby World Cup triumph in 2022, scoring two tries during the thrilling 34-31 victory over England in the final.
The explosive winger has not played for the Black Ferns since rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in one of her knees in training during last year’s Pacific Four Series.
Leti-I’iga missed the WXV1 tournament held in New Zealand at the end of last year and was unable to play a part in the Hurricanes Poua’s recent Super Rugby Aupiki campaign.
But her return appears imminent, after nine months on the sideline.
Leti-I’iga appeared to be running freely during training yesterday as the newly-contracted Black Ferns squad gathered in Upper Hutt for the first time in 2024 to begin preparations for the Pacific Four Series.
Leti-I’iga was one of 40 players to secure a fulltime contract, with one contract still up for grabs.
The squad will be whittled down to 30 for the four-team tournament featuring the Black Ferns, Australia, Canada and the United States.
Coach Allan Bunting said Leti-I’iga got through a bronco aerobic test on Monday and the signs were looking positive.
“Is she going to be available for the Pac Four? We’ve got to be patient but she’s looking really good,” Bunting said.
“She’s worked really hard and has done really some good work on herself.”
Lock Joanah Ngan-Woo was another star of the World Cup final, making the crucial lineout steal at the end to deny England the opportunity to snatch a lastgasp victory.
But she did not feature at all for the Black Ferns last year and also missed the Super Rugby Aupiki season due to an ankle injury.
She trained away from the main group yesterday but Bunting said Ngan-Woo tested on Monday and “wasn’t too far away” from returning either.
The Black Ferns open the tournament against the US in Hamilton on May 11 before playing Canada in Christchurch on May 19 and Australia in North Harbour on May 25.
If the Pacific Four Series were considered too soon for Leti-I’iga, she would be expected to make her comeback in the second O’Reilly Cup fixture against Australia in July.
After spending the week in Upper Hutt, the Black Ferns will relocate their camp to Taupō next week.