Otago Spirit captain Angie Sisifa has been named in the Black Ferns squad to play in a series of matches next month in preparation for the World Cup later in the year.
Sisifa is the only player from Otago named in the squad, which will play three matches in nine days next month against Australia, Canada and England.
Sisifa, a loose forward, faces some tough competition to get into the starting side but has impressed in her time in the black jersey.
The squad was selected after a two-day camp in Palmerston North.
The first test, against Canada, is in Wellington on June 9, followed by a test against Australia in Christchurch on June 13. The final test, against England on June 17 in Rotorua, is the curtain-raiser to the match between New Zealand Maori and the British and Irish Lions.
Black Ferns coach Glenn Moore said the majority of the players named were likely to form the Women's Rugby World Cup squad.
''While the World Cup is the pinnacle event, we have three very important home tests. Players are very excited about it and the home tests are an opportunity for us to try some of the things against the same opposition we will face at World Cup, without showing too much,'' he said.
Rebecca Wood, of North Harbour, and Theresa Fitzpatrick, of Auckland, have been named in the squad for the first time.
Outside back Janna Vaughan (Manawatu), prop Pip Love (Canterbury) and inside backs Kelly Brazier (Bay of Plenty) and Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali (Counties-Manukau) all previously played for Otago but have moved on.
