Kiwi Ferns lose training kit and personal belongings on eve of World Cup opener

Kiwi Ferns players have lost their training kit and personal belongings on the eve of their opening World Cup match against France due to an incident at the team's York base.

New Zealand officials said players had mobile phones and other possessions destroyed because of smoke damage at their training base in York, where they will take on France in a double-header with the Jillaroos and Cook Islands.

The incident occurred after Kiwi Ferns coach Ricky Henry named NRLW Premiership winner Shanice Parker and forwards Otesa Pule and Brianna Clark to make their New Zealand Test debuts.

“This was an unfortunate incident but the problem was quickly dealt with and the training ground are in the process of bringing facilities back online," NZRL CEO Greg Peters said.

"No outdoor facilities have been affected and the staff at the training ground have been exceptional in supporting us.” 

"In the meantime, our main priority is the Fern's wellbeing and ensuring the team is supported through this.” 

No-one was present in the area affected at the time and Henry said team-mates were supporting the players who had been impacted. 

"It's been tough for the girls; some have gone well over 24 hours without being able to contact loved ones, unless through a staff member's phone," Henry said.

"Sometimes these freak accidents happen, and this one was out of anyone's control. NZRL are working to replace the damage, and as a team, we will rally together, support each other and focus on what's ahead."

The Kiwi Ferns opening their World Cup campaign against France at LNER Stadium in York on Wednesday night (Thursday, 6am NZDT). 

Parker, a member of the Newcastle Knights premiership winning team, was named in Henry’s starting line-up and will play in the centres alongside Page McGregor, who made her Kiwi Ferns Test debut in June against Mate Ma’a Tonga.

Second-rower Pule and prop Clark add strength to the starting forward pack consisting of Brisbane’s Annetta-Claudia Nu’uausala and Amber-Paris Hall, Māori All Stars Mya Hill-Moana and Roxette Murdoch-Masila and Gold Coast’s Georgia Hale, who was named in lock.

NRLW Dally M winner Raecene McGregor and veteran Autumn-Rain Stephens Daly were named in the halves, while captain Krystal Rota leads from hooker.