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Young Black Ferns lock Maiakawanakaulani Roos will lead the Black Ferns in their final test match of the Pacific Four Series, when they face USA in Ottawa, Canada, on Saturday morning NZ time.
Known as ‘Maia’ the 21-year-old will become the youngest player to captain the Black Ferns. The hard-working Auckland Storm lock will wear the captain’s armband with Black Ferns co-captains Ruahei Demant and Kennedy Simon named on the bench to provide impact later in the fixture.
Currently unbeaten in the Pacific Four Series, the Black Ferns have made several changes to their 23 for the match highlighting the depth within the squad.
Black Ferns Director of Rugby Allan Bunting praised Roos on her leadership qualities at such a young age.
“Throughout my time in the Black Ferns, Maia has been exceptional, a true professional both on and off the field and her presence is widely felt,” he says.
“A key member of our leadership group now, her daily habits and actions transition into consistent performance. She is a good human and is always looking out to help others. We have great confidence in her captaining the Black Ferns on Friday.”
Maia was brought to tears when called on for the captaincy role and was emotional in relaying the news to her family back home. Roos’ family hail from the village of Ngatangiia, on Rarotonga in the Cook Islands.
Match will be played Friday afternoon at 4:00pm (CEDT) which is Saturday morning 8:00am (NZT).
