Silver Fern Phoenix Karaka and her partner, All Black Patrick Tuipulotu, have announced they're expecting their first child.
Northern Mystics and Blues captains respectively, Karaka and Tuipulotu say they're delighted to share their "exciting" news.
"Patrick and I are really excited to announce the addition to our family," Karaka says.
"I want to thank the Mystics club and [coach] Helene Wilson for the way they have embraced our news."
Both have posted photos to their Instagram accounts that include pictures of their baby scans, with Kara adding the caption "Upgrading from Bubu to Baby daddy, Jan2021".
Both have shined in their sporting arenas this year, with Karaka a stand-out defender for the Mystics through their ANZ Premiership run, while Tuipulotu has excelled leading the resurgent Blues.
The 26-year-old Karaka has made 30 appearances for the Silver Ferns, while Tuipulotu has played the same number of tests for the All Blacks.
Karaka, 26, has played 30 matches for the Silver Ferns since debuting in 2014, the same number of tests that 27-year-old Tuipulotu has played for the All Blacks.
Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua has added her congratulations.
"Phoenix had an outstanding season last year which led her on a special journey to a Silver Ferns recall and a Netball World Cup title," Taurua says.
"Now she and Patrick are about to experience another special and exciting journey, and I send my best wishes to them."
