“We’re kind of redefining part of who the Black Ferns are. It’s a really exciting time that we’re in” – Liana Mikaele Tuu
It only feels like just yesterday when both Maiakawanakaulani Roos and Liana Mikaele Tu’u made their Black Ferns rugby debut.
And yet, as they return for another year in the black jersey, the duo find themselves slowly getting back into the groove and back into their leadership roles.
Having both just returned from stints in Europe, both Roos and Mikaele Tu’u have reunited with the side over in the United States, as they prepare for their clash against the USA in their opening Pacific Four fixture this weekend.
“It’s been so long since we’ve seen anyone,” Roos says.
Mikaele Tu’u added, “I think we were more happy than everyone else. We were jumping up and screaming. We were just so happy.
“Playing with our friends, representing New Zealand with our friends. Just that feeling of home and being back.”
Reconnecting and reuniting with their teammates may be all fun and vibes for now, but both Roos and Mikaele Tu’u realise that this year sets out to be a new dawn for the Black Ferns as a whole.
With a new coaching panel led by Whitney Hansen and eight new faces in the lineup, the side are looking to tackle the Pacific Four series with a new energy and feel.
“We’re kind of redefining part of who the Black Ferns are. It’s a really exciting time that we’re in,” Mikaele Tuu says.
“It’s exciting for us because we’ve been in various different phases of what the Black Ferns look like so being part of this group at this time of the career is so exciting. There’s so much new talent.”
Despite being away from New Zealand as they prepare for their opening match this weekend, Roos says that the team are not lacking in support from fans and family.
“My family lives two hours from here. So I’ll be able to go see them this week and some of them will be able to come to the game,” she says.
“It’ll be a cool reunion, I haven’t seen some of them for like nine years. It’s a nice home away from home but also to be here representing our country.”
