Ruby Tui Left Out as New Zealand Name Squad for Pacific Four Series

Pacific Four Series squad sees surprise omissions as Black Ferns build towards World Cup

There’s a familiar name missing from the latest Black Ferns squad — and for New Zealand fans, it’s a surprising one.

Ruby Tui, one of the most charismatic and influential players in the modern women’s game, will not be wearing the famous black jersey when New Zealand kick off their Pacific Four Series campaign later this month. The 33-year-old winger, a cult hero in Aotearoa and beyond, was not included in Allan Bunting’s 33-woman squad for the tournament — a notable omission as the world champions continue to fine-tune their preparations for a World Cup defence later this year.

Tui’s absence is just one of several headline-making decisions from Bunting, with full-back Renee Holmes and lock Chelsea Bremner also left out of the squad. All three played key roles in New Zealand’s triumphant 2022 Rugby World Cup run, and their exclusion has naturally raised eyebrows.

But according to Bunting, this isn’t the end of the road for any of them.

Bunting: “Still water to go under the bridge”

Ruby Tui dropped by New Zealand for Pacific Four Series against Australia, US and Canada

Speaking as the squad was announced, Bunting acknowledged the difficulty of the selection decisions but insisted the door remains open for those omitted.

“It’s a tight race leading up to our World Cup campaign and we know we’ve had to make tough calls at this point,” Bunting said. “Our whole group is important on this journey. There is still a bit more water to go under the bridge before we name our World Cup squad.”

The message is clear: this squad is a snapshot, not a final destination. The World Cup in England looms large on the horizon, and the Pacific Four Series — featuring matches against Australia, Canada and the United States — is a key proving ground. It’s also a reminder of the depth and competition now embedded in the Black Ferns set-up, with more elite-level players than there are shirts to hand out.

Still, the omission of Tui, in particular, feels significant. The winger was one of the breakout stars of the 2022 World Cup, both on and off the field. Her dazzling footwork and five-try haul were only matched by her infectious energy and unapologetic personality — traits that helped push women’s rugby into the mainstream.

A return for Portia as Tui steps aside

What is the Pacific Four Series?

While one star winger steps aside — at least temporarily — another returns. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, a two-time World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year, has made a stunning comeback just months after announcing her retirement.

It’s a welcome sight for New Zealand supporters, who have long revered the powerful, pacey back. Woodman-Wickliffe has been a cornerstone of the Black Ferns’ success for more than a decade, and her return adds both quality and experience to a backline that is undergoing subtle transformation in 2024.

Her inclusion is also a nod to the team’s ambition. As the women’s game continues to grow and evolve globally, the Black Ferns are clearly determined not just to keep pace, but to stay ahead of the curve.

Building towards the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England

The Pacific Four Series may not carry the prestige of a World Cup or the intensity of a trans-Tasman clash, but it plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative for the rest of 2024.

With matches on three consecutive weekends — starting with Australia on 10 May, followed by fixtures against Canada and the United States — the tournament will test the squad’s depth, cohesion, and readiness for the challenges ahead.

This year’s series also offers a taste of what’s to come at the World Cup in England. Canada and the USA are both potential knockout-stage opponents, while Australia are ever-present rivals. Each test match offers Bunting and his coaching staff valuable data, insight, and — perhaps most importantly — a chance to see how emerging talent performs under pressure.

What Ruby Tui’s omission really means

Tui’s absence is hard to ignore, but it might not be as dramatic as it first appears.

For starters, the winger has had a demanding few years both on and off the field. From sevens glory to 15s dominance, a World Cup triumph and a relentless media schedule, Tui has rarely taken a breath. Some time away from the squad may be exactly what she needs to refresh, refocus and return with even more energy.

Secondly, her relationship with the public and with women’s rugby in New Zealand is bigger than any single squad list. Tui is a household name, an advocate, a role model — and there’s every reason to believe she will be back in the fold when the big games come around.

As for Renee Holmes and Chelsea Bremner, their absence is another indication of just how fierce the competition for places has become. Holmes, in particular, had looked to be a fixture in the back three over the past two seasons, while Bremner’s physicality and presence in the second row have been vital assets.

But rugby is a game of cycles, and right now, the Black Ferns are looking for the best possible blend of form, fitness and tactical fit.

The bigger picture for New Zealand Rugby

What’s clear from the announcement is that New Zealand’s depth in women’s rugby is stronger than ever. When players of the calibre of Tui, Holmes and Bremner can be left out — and replaced by others of equal promise — you know the foundations are solid.

It’s a long road to England 2025, and between now and then, there will be injuries, changes in form and tactical shifts. But the Black Ferns remain committed to their identity: attacking flair, technical excellence and cultural pride.

The Pacific Four Series may feel like a detour for some, but for the players involved, it’s a golden opportunity to stake a claim. And for fans — especially those still reeling from the news of Tui’s omission — it’s a chance to discover the next wave of Ferns stars.

In the meantime, don’t bet against Ruby Tui making a triumphant return. She’s done it before — and if there’s one thing she knows how to do, it’s rise to the occasion.