All Black's Sister Amarante Sititi Joins Black Ferns at 19

The Sititi family now has two international rugby stars, with 19-year-old Amarante earning her first Black Ferns selection alongside her brother Wallace, who plays for the All Blacks.

The young lock impressed coaches after a standout debut season with the Blues in Super Rugby Aupiki. Her team just completed a three-peat championship, defeating Matatū 28-21 in a thrilling final where Sititi started at blindside flanker.

Black Ferns head coach Whitney Hansen named Amarante as one of five uncapped players in the 31-player squad for the remainder of 2026. The team faces eight tests against powerhouse nations including Australia, South Africa, France, Scotland, and England.

The fresh talent joining Sititi includes Hurricanes Poua prop Ngano Tavake, Matatū flanker Elinor-Plum King, Matatū fullback Maia Davis, and Chiefs Manawa winger Shyrah Tuliau-Tua'a. All five players will get their first taste of international rugby in the coming months.

The squad also welcomes back some familiar faces who've overcome significant challenges. Rising star Braxton Sorensen-McGee returns after her sevens commitments, while loose forward Layla Sae rejoins the team after recovering from an ACL rupture she suffered in December while playing for English club Harlequins.

Why This Inspires

The Sititi siblings represent something special in New Zealand rugby. Their journey shows how talent and dedication can run in families, inspiring young athletes across the country who dream of representing their nation on the world stage.

Amarante's rapid rise from debut season to international selection demonstrates that age is just a number when you have the skills and determination. At 19, she's already proving she belongs among New Zealand's elite players.

Hansen emphasized that these matches serve a bigger purpose: preparing for the historic first British and Irish Lions women's tour in 2027. "The challenges ahead will demand more of us, and we're looking forward to the opportunities of growing from good to great," Hansen said.

The Black Ferns kick off their campaign against Australia in Auckland on August 22, with young Sititi poised to make her mark on the international stage just like her brother.