Players identified for New Zealand Under 20 Women’s Rugby Development Camp

Forty-nine talented players from across the motu have been selected to attend the 2024 New Zealand Under 20 Women’s Rugby Development Camp held at NZCIS in Wellington between October 17-21. 

Players have been rewarded for their performances this year which saw 45 of them play Farah Palmer Cup, Presented by Bunnings Warehouse and five in Sky Super Rugby Aupiki. Twelve Provincial Unions are also well represented in the group.   

The camp focuses on education and personal development of young talent aimed to increase the level of competition and potential selections across Farah Palmer Cup, Presented by Bunnings Warehouse, Sky Super Rugby Aupiki and the Black Ferns.  

Blair Baxter will be Lead Coach of the camp with the support of Sky Super Rugby Aupiki coaching staff Whitney Hansen and Simon Kneebone (Matatū), Willie Walker (Blues) and Fusi Feaunati (Hurricanes). 

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) Women’s High Performance Player Development Manager, Joe Payton, said it’s exciting to be able to provide another New Zealand Under 20 women’s opportunity. 

“Significant work has been done on talent identification networks and selection processes and the players who have been selected truly deserve it. 

“The U20 development camp along with other pathway developments in 2025 are extremely valuable. They provide us with understanding of who has the technical, tactical qualities and personal characteristics to be successful at the highest levels as we look to build towards the 2029 women’s World Cup in Australia,” Payton said. 

No team will be selected at the camp’s conclusion with an emphasis on player development. 

2024 Under 20 Women’s Development Camp list (in alphabetical order):

Abigail Paton (Canterbury)

Adi Vani Taleqa (Canterbury)

Alexandra Williamson (Canterbury)

Anahera Hamahona (Manawatū)

Angelica Mekemeke Vahai (Auckland)

Arene Landon-Lane (Wellington)

Arlia MacCarthy (Northland)

Ashlee Matapo (Auckland)

Charlotte Va’afusuaga (Otago)

Christabelle Onesemo (North Harbour)

Danica Talitonu (Manawatū)

Danii Mafoe (Auckland)

Danny-Elle Fesolai (Auckland)

Demielle Onesemo-Tuilaepa (North Harbour)

Elinor-Plum King (Manawatū)

Eva Maora (Wellington)

Faith Nonutunu (Auckland)

Fiaalii Solomona (Tasman)

Fou Sefo (Counties Manukau)

Gillian Fa’aumu (Auckland)

Grace Guyton (Tasman)

Hannah Lithgow (Otago)

Jordyn Tihore (Bay of Plenty)

Jorja Fruean (Auckland)

Kaya Whaitiri-Dee (Hawke’s Bay)

Keelah Bodle (Canterbury)

Keighley Simpson (Canterbury)

Keira Su’a-Smith (Wellington)

Kyla Lynch-Brown (Canterbury)

Lavina Elliott (Auckland) 

Leilani Hakiwai (Hawke’s Bay)

Leitisia Vehikite (Counties Manukau)

Maelle Rossignol (Canterbury)

Manea-Faith Waaka (Canterbury)

Mele Taufa Bason (Manawatū)

Mikaya Kaipo (Auckland)

Milahn Ieremia (Otago)

Neve Anglesey (Canterbury)

Phoenix Reid-Stowers (Bay of Plenty)

Presayus Singh (Auckland)

Raedeen Blake (Hawke’s Bay)

Riahn Brickland (Manawatū)

Riko Yoshida (Canterbury)

Sarah Jones (Tasman)

Sariyah Paitai (Counties Manukau)

Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (Waikato)

Wikitoria Rogers (Northland)

Winnie Palamo (Canterbury)

Zahnia Papalii (Auckland)