Black Ferns captain Lesley Elder has been revealed as the Chiefs' first signing for Super Rugby Aupiki.
The loose forward captained the Chiefs women's team in their maiden encounter against the Blues in May.
Elder says she is excited to be part of the franchise's setup for the inaugural Super Rugby Aupiki campaign.
"I'm really looking forward to putting on the Chiefs jersey again, it was an honour to wear it earlier this year and to get the opportunity to get to do that again is a real privilege," says Elder.
"Obviously, growing up in the King Country the Chiefs were my team, so supporting them all my life and now getting to wear their jersey and play in those colours is a really proud moment for me."
"We're really fortunate to have a great coach in Allan Bunting.
"I've worked with Bunts before in the Sevens programme. What he’s created in the sevens programme and the legacy he’s instilled in that jersey is pretty exciting for what he can offer to the Chiefs jersey.
"I'm really lucky to be able to work alongside him and I know he'll bring some innovative ideas to the fifteens game."
Bunting says it was great to have a player of Elder’s calibre as part of the squad.
"Les is a very well respected individual and rugby player for what she says and has done on and off the field," says Bunting.
"She will be influential in what we are wanting to achieve. Les holds a lot of mana that will be invaluable for the development of this team."
Elder is set to depart on Thursday with the Black Ferns squad as they embark on their end-of-year Northern Tour.
On Tuesday, Matatū (South Island franchise) announced their first five contracted players - Kendra Cocksedge, Pip Love, Steph Te Ohaere-Fox, Grace Brooker and Te Rauoriwa Gapper.
