ReportSpringbok WomenRugby3656d ago

Black Ferns lose co-captain Tukuafu for 2026 season ahead of Springbok Women Test

Black Ferns co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu has been ruled out for the 2026 Test season, including the September 5 fixture against the Springbok Women, after sustaining a hamstring tear that requires surgery.

Black Ferns co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu will miss the entire 2026 Test season, including the historic September 5 clash against the Springbok Women, after tearing her hamstring playing for Chiefs Manawa against Hurricanes Poua on June 27.

Specialist assessment confirmed the injury requires surgical repair, with Tukuafu set to go under the knife this week before beginning rehabilitation.

The 39-cap loose forward, who was named Black Ferns Player of the Year in 2021, has been a fixture in the New Zealand setup since her debut in 2019, scoring six Test tries.

Head coach Whitney Hansen acknowledged the blow to both the player and the squad. "Kennedy leads with authenticity and care and her influence on this group extends well beyond what she does on the field."

Tukuafu said her focus is squarely on recovery. "My focus now is on surgery, rehabilitation and doing everything I can to return to the game."

Sources

Rugby365https://rugby365.com/countries/new-zealand/black-ferns-suffer-huge-setback-ahead-of-springbok-women-showdown/

Tagged

Springbok Women

FNB Stadium double-header set to be landmark moment for Bok Women

The Bok Women face the Black Ferns in a double-header at FNB Stadium in September 2026 — part of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry — with Juan de Jongh arguing the occasion could be a defining moment for the women's programme's upward trajectory.

ReportSpringbok Women

Springbok Women's blockbuster 2026 schedule confirmed with Italy Test added

The Springbok Women's 2026 schedule features home Tests against the USA, Black Ferns and Ireland, plus a trip to Italy — all four opponents ranked in the world's top 10.

ReportSpringbok Women

Springbok Women claim fifth consecutive Rugby Africa Women's Cup with Kenya win

The Springbok Women beat Kenya 35-20 in Nairobi to claim a fifth consecutive Rugby Africa Women's Cup, with assistant coach Franzel September crediting tactical kicking, a dominant bench and strong defensive organisation for the win.

ReportBlitzboks

Blitzboks fall to Australia in Valladolid pool finale

The Blitzboks lost 24-14 to Australia in their final pool match at the HSBC World Championship in Valladolid, and will face Spain in the quarterfinals. The Springbok Women were also beaten, 17-14 by Fiji, and face Argentina in the ninth-place semifinal.

ReportSpringbok Women

September pleased but pinpoints breakdown and discipline after Springbok Women's 64-5 win over Madagascar

Franzel September praised the Springbok Women's winning start in Kenya but flagged breakdown deficiencies and discipline lapses after their 64-5 victory over Madagascar, with Uganda next up on Wednesday.