Black Ferns v France: Grace Brooker called into New Zealand squad three years after last test

Grace Brooker has earned a recall to the Black Ferns squad for their three-test series against France, marking her potential first test appearance in three years. Brooker was brought into head coach Whitney Hansen's squad after Alena Saili and Maia Davis returned to the national sevens program. The series opens in Hamilton on Saturday before continuing with matches in Whangārei and Christchurch.

Brooker last played for New Zealand in July 2023 following a severe patella tendon injury in 2021. After losing her national contract in 2024, she played for the Essendon Bombers in the AFLW before returning home to captain Matatū to a runner-up finish in Super Rugby Aupiki, which ultimately secured her international recall.