Layla Sae returns to the Black Ferns squad nine months after sustaining an ACL injury, joining the match-day 23 as New Zealand prepares to face France on Sunday, September 13, 2026, in Lyon, amid a mounting injury toll that rules out co-captain Ruahei Demant.
Layla Sae and Alena Saili Bolster Match-Day Squad
The Black Ferns head into their WXV Global Series opener with notable personnel additions despite facing significant roster disruption. Layla Sae will make her return to the team just nine months after tearing her anterior cruciate ligament during club duty with Harlequins. The 25-year-old loose forward is set to earn her 20th cap from among the replacements.
Joining her in the match-day 23 is Alena Saili, who makes her first Test appearance after a six-year absence from the international arena.
“Layla is a powerful athlete that thrives in collisions, she’s explosive and a threat not only in the middle but on the edge. She’s shown great determination and resilience to get back into the team and we’re looking forward to seeing what she does this weekend.”
“Alena is a talented athlete; she’s been in the system for a long time which shows in the way she carries herself professionally and her positive impact on the team’s culture. She’s a physical presence in the midfield and is a versatile player covering midfield and the outsides for us.”
Injuries Force Leadership Changes and Front-Row Shifts
While reinforcements provide a lift, the six-time world champions are dealing with an extensive injury toll. Kaipo Olsen-Baker was already ruled out of the fixtures due to a shoulder injury. Hours before the first Test squad was announced, co-captain Ruahei Demant suffered a calf injury that sidelines the former World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year from the entire tour encompassing France, Scotland, and England.
Explosive wing Ayesha Leti-I’iga was subsequently ruled out with a calf injury. Consequently, Georgia Ponsonby takes sole ownership of the captaincy, anchoring the front row alongside Chryss Viliko and Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu.
In the lock department, Laura Bayfield moves into the starting XV to partner Maiakawanakaulani Roos, filling the vacancy left by Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu. In the backline, Justine McGregor starts on the wing in place of the injured Leti-I’iga, joining Braxton Sorensen-McGee and Mererangi Paul in the back three.
Analyzing the French Threat in Lyon
The opening fixture takes place at the Matmut Stadium de Gerland in Lyon on Sunday morning at 3.45am (NZT). The match presents an immediate tactical puzzle against a French side carrying different tactical dimensions under its new coaching group.
France enters the fixture after dropping a 43-28 result to England in Bordeaux in May during the final match of the Six Nations. That encounter brought together two unbeaten teams, though Les Bleues have not taken the field since.
Tour Schedule and Squad Depth Under Scrutiny
Upcoming Match-Day 23 Lineup
Following the clash in Lyon, the Black Ferns travel to Edinburgh to face Scotland before concluding their tour in London against England.
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| 1. Prop | Chryss Viliko |
| 2. Hooker (c) | Georgia Ponsonby |
| 3. Prop | Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu |
| 4. Lock | Maiakawanakaulani Roos |
| 5. Lock | Laura Bayfield |
| 6. Flanker | Mia Anderson |
| 7. Flanker | Elinor-Plum King |
| 8. Number 8 | Liana Mikaele-Tu’u |
| 9. Halfback | Maia Joseph |
| 10. First Five-Eighth | Hannah King |
| 11. Wing | Justine McGregor |
| 12. Second Five-Eighth | Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt |
| 13. Centre | Amy Du Plessis |
| 14. Wing | Mererangi Paul |
| 15. Fullback | Braxton Sorensen-McGee |
| Replacements | Atlanta Lolohea, Maddison Robinson, Santo Taumata, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, Layla Sae, Tara Turner, Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a, Alena Saili |
The squad will now begin their final preparations as they look forward to facing the challenges of the upcoming match against England.
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