Kate Henwood is counting her lucky stars after being named in the Black Ferns’ squad for the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup in England.

The Eastern Bay-based prop hurt her ankle in the Black Ferns penultimate game before the squad announcement this month.

Having been carried off the field, it looked as though her chance to compete in London was gone, so Henwood was stoked to receive the nod for her first World Cup.

“I am excited but will get more excited when I get over there.”

She said she was worried the damaged ligaments in her ankle could rule her out of the competition. “I am still nursing it now, but hopefully in the next week I will be good to go properly by the time we get to England. It’s feeling good and nearly healed.”

Krystal Murray has been named as a non-travelling reserve in case Henwood’s injury forces a change.

“When I hurt my ankle, I couldn’t walk off the field – I thought this was it. To be able to come back and the coaches still want me is incredibly satisfying. I am pleased about it.

“I just want to get out there again and get stuck in. The physio and Black Ferns’ medical team were keen to work with me, and I’m stoked they got me ready for the World Cup.

“I’m just super-pleased. It’s a lot of extra work they have had to put in me and pushed it to the limit, but super happy that the dream is still alive.”

At 36, the mother of two, is likely to be the oldest Black Fern to attend a World Cup.

“It’s nothing to be ashamed of and shows you can do anything no matter your age if you put your mind to it.”

She expects the excitement will really kick in when she begins training in England ahead of their first encounter.

“We’ve definitely got a good mix of experience and youth. With the girls and their skillset, I think we can do well.”

In pool play the Black Ferns face Spain first up (on Monday morning NZ time) and Japan a week later. They will also play Ireland, a team that knocked them over last year.

“They have beaten us twice and we really want to avenge that win they got against us last year.”

Henwood played at Twickenham last year, so knows what to expect.

“I was lucky enough to play England there and that was crazy. I’m looking forward to doing that again.”

Since lacing up the boots and turning out for the Volcanix and then Chiefs Manawa, making the World Cup squad was Henwood’s goal.

“Once I started playing again these last few years, it definitely became something I wanted to make. It’s what I have been heading for the last three years.

“It’s made all the hard work the past few years, worth it.”

When she’s been able to, Henwood has been helping coach the Rangitaiki under-12 girls’ team that was newly formed this year.

“I can’t take a lot of credit; I haven’t been there much. It’s cool for them to see what is possible with girls and women’s rugby.”

Alongside her, skipper Ruahei Demant from Ōmaio and Rūātoki’s Stacey Waaka are part of the Allan Bunting-coached squad.