Known for their unbreakable team bond and pushing boundaries on the pitch, New Zealand's 2021 World Cup champs are showcasing their prowess, and the sporting scene is taking notice. And in the lead-up to what's bound to be an epic year of rugby, you best believe the are ready to hit the '25 season with a bang.
Ahead of the World Cup, the Black Ferns are set to play three Tests in Aotearoa this May and July. Nab your tickets for these home matches and join us as we catch up with fan-favourites Katelyn Vahaakolo (KV), Renee Holmes (RH) and Maiakawanakaulani Roos (MR) to chat game day routines, mental prep and pump-up tunes.
Give us a rundown on the upcoming season, what’s in the pipeline?
MR: “Being the year of the Women’s World Cup, there’s a lot to play for in 2025. The real action starts in May when we kick off our Pacific Four Series against Australia, Canada, and the United States.
After that, it's all about the World Cup where the selected squad will travel to England to defend our title.”
Talk us through your typical pre-game routine.
RH: “Depending on the time of the game, I look to sleep in for as long as possible. After a big kip, nothing beats taking the time for a good breakfast and coffee with a side of card games.
Once the braids go in, it’s time to switch to game mode. Next comes some stretching, a pre-game feed, and a solid solo jam sesh on the bus. Once arriving at the field, I’ll suss the wind and where the sun’s sitting and then it’s straight into a team debrief and warm-up. After that, we’re on.”
How do you mentally prepare for a big game?
KV: “I always write how I’m feeling before I warm up. Whether it’s good or bad, offloading any jittery thoughts before I go on the field is a great way to make sure my head is in the game. I take a journal with me to every training and game and find it the best way to keep account of where I’m at mentally and to process everything going on in my busy mind.
In terms of specific rituals, I try to stay clear of them because our environment is constantly changing. In saying this, I do always wear a purple and green ribbon in my hair for my parents and give my playing jersey a cheeky pre-game kiss.”
How do you connect with your teammates before hitting the pitch?
RH: “We love to go outside on the morning of the game to connect as a unit and discuss what we need from each other during the game. A round or two of cards is also usually involved somewhere throughout the day as it helps us to calm our minds and have some fun together.”
What’s your go-to pre-game meal?
KV: “Over my time as a player I have learnt that nutrition can be the make or break of a good game. I try to switch it up but it's always something carb-heavy. Right now I’m into pancakes with a side of protein. Chocolate milk is also always a must both before and after a game.”
Do you use visualisation techniques to prepare?
RH: “I always make time for some visualisation the night before. It almost always consists of me slotting the ball straight down the middle of the goal posts.”
How do you handle the pressure and expectations that come with playing at such a high level?
KV: “I find if I practice being under pressure in training, I’ll feel more confident in a game because I’ve experienced it already. For me, it’s all in getting used to being uncomfortable.”
Do you have a go-to playlist or any favourite songs that pump you up?
MR: “I am the biggest music head. I will usually start the day slow with Maddison Ryan-Ward and gradually bump up the BPM until I’m blasting artists like Megan Thee Stallion and Kendrick Lamar. My favourite pre-game song right now would have to be NICE by The Carters.”
How does the support from your fans affect your game preparation?
RH: “It always motivates me. It’s crazy to think I always dreamt of inspiring the next generation, but turning up to game day and seeing signs with your name on it or seeing young girls with Black Ferns jerseys cheering your name is an unmatched feeling. Our fans make me want to be the best fullback in the world because I want to inspire and show them they can do it too.”
Finally, if you were to use one word to describe what it means to you to be a Black Fern, what would it be?
MR: “Grateful.”
Don’t miss your chance to see the girls in action on your home pitch this season. Going head-to-head with Canada, USA, and Australia at Apollo Project Stadium in Christchurch and North Harbour Stadium in Auckland it’s time to snatch up your tickets and get pumped. For more information and tickets, head
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Images: Black Ferns