One of Auckland’s finest raises a significant milestone tonight.

Black Ferns hooker and captain Fiao’o Fa’amausili will play her 50th international for New Zealand in tonight’s Women’s Rugby World Cup clash with Canada in Ireland, overtaking the great Anna Richards and evergreen halfback Emma Jensen, who previously held the record of 49 caps.

Fa’amausili also has a record 97 appearances for the Auckland Storm. She has played in every NPC since its inception in 1999.

Fa’amausili, a police detective based in south Auckland, was first selected for the Black Ferns in 2002 and has since been a fixture (aside from 2004 when she was living in Australia).
Regarded as the one of the most formidable hookers in women’s world rugby, she is playing in her fifth Women’s Rugby World Cup and has captained the Black Ferns since 2012.
New Zealand Rugby chair Brent Impey has congratulated Fa’amausili on achieving the 50-test milestone.
“Fiao’o has made an enormous contribution not only to the Black Ferns but also to the wider rugby community. She has played almost 100 matches for her beloved Auckland Storm and by nature is a fantastic role model for young players in her community.”
Impey said he had recently been in camp with the Black Ferns during their World Cup campaign where he had experienced first-hand Fa’amausili’s leadership and witnessed her on-field skills.
“There is no team that works harder than the Black Ferns and Fiao’o drives that level of dedication and professionalism. She leads by example, and as a result the women around her lift their own performances.
“On the field she is fearless, and is constantly striving to further extend her level of play. I wish her and her team all the best for the remainder of the Women’s Rugby World Cup and look forward to seeing Fiao’o in action.
“New Zealand Rugby will be recognising her achievement in the appropriate way later in the year,” he said.
Yesterday New Zealand Rugby announced a new annual award – the Fiao’o Fa’amausili Medal for the player of the year in the Farah Palmer Cup.

Black Ferns coach Glenn Moore says Fa’amausili always puts team first.

“Everyone is very buoyant and excited. This will be a very memorable day for Fiao’o, reaching a 50th cap while at a World Cup is extremely special,” says Moore.
“It’s a real testament to Fiao’o’s leadership. As captain, she puts the team before everything. It will be a very proud day for the entire Black Ferns family and for rugby.”

Fa’amausili is one of six Auckland players in the Black Ferns’ match-day 23 for tonight’s fixture. Joining her are prop Aldora Itunu, lock Eloise Blackwell, blindside flanker Charmaine McMenamin and reserves Linda Itunu and Theresa Fitzpatrick.

The Black Ferns can seal semifinal qualification after 44-12 (over Wales) and 121-0 (Hong Kong) victories in their pool.