The return of experienced front rower Steph Te Ohaere-Fox, halfback’s Melanie Puckett, Dianne Hiini and fiveeight Rosie Kelly headline the Canterbury Rugby Farah Palmer Cup squad for 2021, as well as the arrival of Black Fern Amy du Plessis from Otago, and Marcelle Parkes who’s made the move south from Wellington.

Te Ohaere-Fox’s return after giving birth to their family’s second child last year has her in line to become just the second player in New Zealand to bring up 100 first class caps for the one province and just the 4th overall.“I’m excited to be back, I’m really blessed to be able to play the game I love and have a beautiful whānau. I know this year is going to be really challenging, but I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else” said Te Ohaere-Fox.

While Puckett, who has had an outstanding club season for Lincoln University, returns after sitting out the entire season last year following surgery to her knee, Hiini and Kelly are welcomed back to the red and blacks following time playing in Ireland and Otago respectively.  

“It’s great to have those four available this year,” said Coach Blair Baxter. “While Steph and Mel both offered their skills and experience off the park last season, to have them both out on the park will be a big bonus. The work they’ve both done in the gym to get themselves ready for a Farah Palmer Cup campaign is nothing short of a massive credit to their desire and determination to be the best they can be. Equally Dianne’s speed around the ruck and game management just strengthens our options as does Rosie’s with her ability to play 10 or 15.”

Du Plessis, Kelly and Parkes headed to Christchurch in the off-season to link up with the Canterbury High Performance Unit and try and force their way into the Farah Palmer Cup squad.

“We had really good competition for spots last year, but they’ve come in with a hunger to make the team along with a few others, so I can see us as coaches having quite a few selection headaches this year. Rosie has been a part of this group before and it’s great to have her back fighting for a spot,” Baxter mentioned.

The squad will again be led by Alana Bremner with fellow Black Fern Grace Brooker as her deputy, “They lead our team with great success last season and I’m sure they’ll continue to do so again this year. They’re really well supported by the other leaders in the team too.” Said Baxter.

“I really enjoyed being part of the leadership group last year and the opportunities that come with being captain to promote our team and our game is really cool”, said Bremner.

Kendra Cocksedge has been named for her 15th consecutive Farah Palmer Cup campaign, and after taking this year’s club season off, along with fellow Black Fern Pip Love and Canadian International Cindy Nelles, the experienced trio are looking refreshed and rearing to go.

** New caps in line to make their Farah Palmer Cup debuts during the year include HSOB’s rising sevens talent Jorja Miller, University’s big strong ball carrier Stacey Niao and Lincoln University’s impressive lineout exponent Emma Dermody. New Zealand Gymnast Bronwyn Dibb will bring her form from the floor to the field in the outside backs.

The side is coached by Blair Baxter, Tony Christie, Whitney Hansen and Melissa Ruscoe.Canterbury will name a development squad later in the week.  

Lucy Anderson - Christchurch

Alana Bremner - Lincoln University

Chelsea Bremner - Lincoln University

Grace Brooker - Lincoln University

Kendra Cocksedge - University (CAN)

Emma Dermody** - Lincoln University

Bronwyn Dibb** - University (CAN)

Amy du Plessis** - Christchurch

Terauoriwa Gapper - University (CAN)

Trina Greenslade - Lincoln University

Dianne Hiini - Christchurch

Lucy Jenkins - Christchurch

Rosie Kelly - High School Old Boys

Phillipa Love - Christchurch

Liv McGoverne - University (CAN)

Jorja Miller** - High School Old Boys

Amy Milnes - High School Old Boys

Cindy Nelles - University (CAN)

Stacey Niao** - University (CAN)

Greer O'Rourke - University (CAN)

Marcelle Parkes** - High School Old Boys

Nina Poletti - Christchurch

Georgia Ponsonby - Lincoln University

Melanie Puckett - Lincoln University

Amy Rule - Lincoln University

Tayla Simpson - University (CAN)

Grace Steinmetz - High School Old Boys

Stephanie Te Ohaere-Fox - Christchurch

Rebecca  Todd - Christchurch

Isabella Waterman - Christchurch

Article added: Monday 21 June 2021