Five new players have earned Black Ferns contracts as part of a 40-strong group announced by NZ Rugby on Monday.
Atlanta Lolohea (Matatū), Hannah King (Hurricanes Poua) Kahlia Awa (Blues), Maama Vaipulu (Blues) and Maia Joseph (Matatu) have each secured their first full-time deals on the back of stand-out Super Rugby Aupiki campaigns.
Lock Vaipulu was a key figure in the Blues' run to the title, rewarded for her consistency throughout the competition, as was teammate Awa, who shone at halfback.
King was a highlight for the Hurricanes at first-five, while Lolohea and halfback Joseph - daughter of former All Black Jamie Joseph - impressed for Matatū.
Black Ferns director of rugby Allan Bunting said he was impressed with the competitiveness and potential of the five newly contracted players.
"It is exciting to be able to see the growth we have building in our game at the moment," said Bunting.
"While it makes for a tough selection, it gives us an opportunity to expose more talent to the international stage in specific areas we are looking at moving into the future and towards Rugby World Cup 2025.
"These new players have really stood out consistently in their own way across Super Rugby Aupiki that has been apparent in the way they hold themselves on and off the field.
"It is an exciting opportunity for them to come on this journey and look to continue their growth both on and off the field. The future of our internal competition is exciting to see."
Among the new additions is a handful of players who have previously worn the black jersey returning to the contracted griup, including Blues prop Aldora Itunu, Marcelle Parkes (Matatū), loose forward Kaipo Olsen-Baker (Matatū) and midfielder Monica Tagoai (Hurricanes Poua).
"We are pleased to be able to welcome back these experienced players into our environment," Bunting added.
"Their perseverance, physical presence and ability to impact games has been evident. They have been standouts for their respective teams during Super Rugby Aupiki and we are excited to see what they bring to environment."
Phillipa Love, Liv McGoverne and Mia Anderson will join the Black Ferns squad on interim contracts as injury cover. One additional full-time contract is still be confirmed.
The Black Ferns squad will assemble shortly to begin preparations for the Pacific Four test series, which starts against USA in Hamilton on May 11.
Black Ferns 2024 contracted group: Alana Bremner (Matatū, Canterbury), Aldora Itunu (Blues, Auckland), Amy du Plessis (Matatū, Canterbury), Amy Rule (Matatū, Canterbury), Ariana Bayler (Chiefs Manawa, Waikato), Atlanta Lolohea (Matatū, Canterbury), Ayesha Leti-I’iga (Hurricanes Poua, Wellington), Awhi Tangen-Wainohu (Chiefs Manawa, Waikato), Charmaine Smith (Chiefs Manawa, Northland), Chelsea Bremner (Chiefs Manawa, Canterbury), Chryss Viliko (Blues, Auckland), Georgia Ponsonby (Matatū, Canterbury), Grace Steinmetz (Chiefs Manawa, Canterbury), Hannah King (Hurricanes Poua, Canterbury), Iritana Hohaia (Hurricanes Poua, Taranaki), Joanah Ngan Woo (Hurricanes Poua, Wellington), Kahlia Awa (Blues, Hawke’s Bay), Kaipo Olsen-Baker (Matatū, Manawatū), Kate Henwood (Chiefs Manawa, Bay of Plenty), Katelyn Vahaakolo (Blues, Auckland), Kennedy Simon (Chiefs Manawa, Waikato), Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (Blues, Auckland), Layla Sae (Hurricanes Poua, Manawatū), Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai'i (Sylvia) Brunt (Blues, Auckland), Lucy Jenkins (Matatū, Canterbury), Luka Connor (Chiefs Manawa, Bay of Plenty), Leaso Grace Gago Tiatia (Blues, Counties Manukau), Maama Vaipulu (Blues, Auckland), Maia Joseph (Matatū, Otago), Maiakawanakaulani Roos (Blues, Auckland), Marcelle Parkes (Matatū, Canterbury), Mererangi Paul (Chiefs Manawa, Counties Manukau), Monica Tagoai (Hurricanes Poua, Wellington), Patricia Maliepo (Blues, Auckland), Renee Holmes (Chiefs Manawa, Waikato), Ruahei Demant (Blues, Auckland), Ruby Tui (Chiefs Manawa, Counties Manukau), Santo Taumata (Chiefs Manawa, Bay of Plenty), Sophie Fisher (Blues, Auckland), Tanya Kalounivale (Chiefs Manawa, Waikato).
