New Zealand Rugby has announced its first-ever group of female players to be awarded contracts in the 15-a-side code.
The 28 players include 17 Black Ferns from the 2017 World Cup winning team.
Each stands to earn $40,000-$45,000 this year as part an historic agreement between the players' association and NZR.
They'll be required to assemble for 50 days as part of their national duty, which will include training with the high performance men's provincial programmes.
The Black Ferns sevens players operate on separate contracts as they compete year-round on the world series circuit.
Legendary hooker and captain Fiao'o Faamasuili is one such player, coming out of retirement to lead the mixture of old and new faces.
"We are thrilled to offer Fi a contract," said Black Ferns head coach Glenn Moore. "She is as fit as she's ever been and is super passionate about being inolved.
"There are a number of new faces among those named, and to have Fi's skills and experience to call on will be invaluable."
Moore confirmed that the contract was no guarantee of selection to the national side and there were still two more positions yet to be filled.
The Black Ferns will play two tests against Australia in August as part of a pair of double-headers with the men's side, who'll be contesting the Bledisloe Cup.
In November, they head to Chicago to square off with the hosts in a triple-header that also features Ireland vs Italy and Māori All Blacks vs US Eagles.
Black Ferns 2018
Backs: Chelsea Alley (Waikato), Ariana Bayler (Waikato), Grace Brooker (Canterbury), Kendra Cocksedge (Canterbury), Krysten Cottrell (Hawke's Bay), Ruahei Demant (Auckland), Kilistina Moata'ane (Otago), Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali (Counties Manukau), Kristina Sue (Manawatu), Renee Wickliffe (Bay of Plenty), Selica Winiata (Manawatu)
Forwards: Eloise Blackwell (Auckland), Les Elder (nee Ketu) (Bay of Plenty), Fiao'o Faamausili (Auckland), Dhys Faleafaga(Wellington), Harono Iringa (Counties Manukau), Aldora Itunu (Auckland), Linda Itunu (Auckland), Pip Love (Canterbury), Charmaine McMenamin (Auckland), Toka Natua (Waikato), Joanah Ngan Woo (Wellington), Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate (Counties Manukau), Aleisha Nelson (Auckland), Marcelle Parkes (Wellington), Leilani Perese (Counties Manukau), Aroha Savage (Counties Manukau), Charmaine Smith (Auckland)
Newshub.
