WRL Kiwi Ferns Legacy 1995 - 2025

Last week the Kiwi Ferns won a close battle with Fetu Samoa at Go Media - Mt Smart Stadium opening their pacific championship campaign 2025. The game also marked 30 years of Kiwi Ferns history, and within that history Wellington Rugby League has created a pathway for a host of players since 1995. A group of those players attended a celebration at the stadium last weekend. From Zavana Aranga, Kiwi Fern player #2 to current outstanding player Alexis Tauaenai, Kiwi Fern #182, a legacy of wāhine from Wellington have pulled on the black jersey.

A celebration weekend marked with whanungatanga, ceremony and rekindling memories with former team mates made for an exciting and memorable occasion. Former Wgtn Orcas coach and Kiwi Fern #99 Ake Pereira said that " it was a privilege to be in Auckland for the occasion and it was with much pride and mana to be with those who have represented their country ". 

30 years of the Kiwi Ferns is a major milestone for women’s rugby league and the wider game here in Aotearoa. 

The New Zealand Women’s Rugby League Federation was officially registered and accepted by NZRL in February 1995. Just four months later, a squad of 23 trailblazers set off on a tour of Australia.

They returned home unbeaten, winning all seven matches including two Tests against Australia. That historic tour set the tone and a high standard for the Ferns, who quickly made their mark as the best women’s team in the world at that time.

From Wellington since 1995 a total of 25 players have represented the Kiwi Ferns:  

#2 Zavana Aranga, #3 Maria Auega, #11 Kaylene Ihaia, #17 Megan Tahapeehi, #24 SelenaTe Amo, 

#25 Trish Hina, #37 Jackie Ryder, #46 Frances Te Ao, #51 Hannah Wainohu, #55 Kazz Tangiahue, #66 Angel Mulu, #73 Dawn Patelesio, #75 Fuarosa Time, #79 Aimee Gilbert, #83 Ana Tuia-Pereira, #86 Jean Kellett

#90 Kat Whata-Simpkins, #94 Mary-Ann Collins, #96 Ebony Low, #99 Akenese Pereira, #100 Bridget Smith

#105 Brenda Collins, #111 Geneva Webber, #182 Alexis Tauaneai, Trinity Tauaneai.

Congratulations on the legacy you leave for our kōtiro, kōhine and up and coming wahine toa players in Wellington.

Mauri ora !

Written by Andre Whittaker CEO WRL...

Article added: Wednesday 22 October 2025