Page 7 - Stacey Fluhler News Today

LANGFORD, B.C. - With all the international competition Canadian coach Jack Hanratty looked forward to seeing as a challenge for his side at the HSBC Canada Sevens rugby tournament in Langford, B.C., it came down to a good old-fashioned North American clash for fifth-place on Sunday.

Australia may have been crowned World Sevens champions for 2022 but they were given a hurry-up by the Black Ferns Sevens in the final at Langford, Canada - their first tournament in two and a half years.

The Black Ferns Sevens may have been off the world circuit for two years, but their depth could be even greater than before

After more than two years away from the World Series, Black Ferns Sevens Head Coach Cory Sweeney has named a strong side to make their return in Canada next weekend.

The Black Ferns Sevens coaches have drawn on plenty of experience as the side prepares to return to the World Series after an absence of more than two years.

The winless Highlanders have made five changes for Friday's trip to the Blues in Albany with Aaron Smith returning start at halfback and Marino Mikaele Tu'u adding punch to the pack from number eight

Ngāi Tahu woman is among the recent Māori Sports Awards honorees

ANALYSIS: It was a tour they needed, but the Black Ferns learned about their shortcomings the hard way.

The Black Ferns head home after four successive defeats and know they're nowhere near England and France ahead of next year's World Cup defence in NZ.

Woodman, whose last test was the 2017 World Cup final win, returns as the Black Ferns make changes and try to bounce back against England after their record loss.