• Five players receive first-time contracts
• Aldora Itunu returns to Black Ferns after birth of first child

Talent continues to flourish within the Black Ferns programme as the squad continues to build toward Rugby World Cup 2025.

This year’s contracted group features five exciting new players following standout performances across Sky Super Rugby Aupiki. Atlanta Lolohea (Matatū), Hannah King (Hurricanes Poua) Kahlia Awa (Blues), Maama Vaipulu (Blues) and Maia Joseph (Matatū) have secured their first full-time Black Ferns contracts. 

Blues lock Vaipulu was immense for the Blues during their charge to the Sky Super Rugby Aupiki title. A consistent performer, with a great skill set made a strong impression on Black Ferns selectors. 

Shifting north to Wellington to pursue Super Rugby for the season, paid dividends for Hurricanes Poua first five-eighth Hannah King. The 20-year-old thrived in the Hurricanes Poua environment and became a notable standout for the side. 

With a dominant performance in the Sky Super Rugby Aupiki final, Blues halfback Awa has made every post a winner in the past 12 months and will be hoping to add to her highlights reel in a black jersey. Alongside Awa, diligent halfback and first five-eighth Joseph, also secures her first contract having been on the radar of Black Ferns selectors for some time. Joseph’s Matatū teammate, hooker Lolohea, is also set to make the step-up. 

Black Ferns Director of Rugby Allan Bunting 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. 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 Sky 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.” 

While there is a youthful look to the 2024 contracted group, a talented group of experienced players who have already had the privilege of wearing the black jersey also return to the contracted group. Prominent Blues prop Aldora Itunu, newly converted prop Marcelle Parkes (Matatū), illusive loose forward Kaipo Olsen-Baker (Matatū) and powerful midfielder Monica Tagoai (Hurricanes Poua) all return to the Black Ferns environment.

“We are pleased to be able to welcome back these experienced players into our environment. Their perseverance, physical presence and ability to impact games has been evident. They have been standouts for their respective teams during Sky Super Rugby Aupiki and we are excited to see what they bring to environment," said Bunting.

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. 

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). 


Maia Joseph
Maia Joseph hails from Wellington but shifted at a young age to Dunedin, which she fondly calls home. The diligent halfback debuted for Otago in 2020, following two prominent season the versatile halfback/first five-eighth was awarded the Fiao'o Fa'amausil'i Medal in 2022. In 2022, Joseph made her Super Rugby debut for Chiefs Manawa, she missed the following season with a knee injury. Joseph recovered in time for Otago’s 2023 Farah Palmer Cup, presented by Bunnings Warehouse (FPC) campaign. Following a successful return Joseph was selected for the Black Ferns XV and later joined the Black Ferns environment ahead of the inaugural WXV tournament. Joseph debuted for Matatū earlier this year. Having been on the radar of Black Ferns selectors for a number of years, it is no surprise the talented individual was a consistent performer across Matatū’s season, earning herself her first Black Ferns contract. Joseph has also represented New Zealand in touch rugby and is studying a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from the University of Otago but has currently put her studies on hold.

Broadcast
All Black Ferns Tests will be broadcasted live on Sky Sport.
 

Pacific Four Series Schedule (New Zealand times and dates listed)
Black Ferns v USA, Saturday 11 May, 2.05pm, HAMILTON
Black Ferns v Canada, Sunday 19 May, 4.35pm, Apollo Projects Stadium, CHRISTCHURCH
Black Ferns v Australia, Saturday 25 May, 2.05pm, North Harbour Stadium, AUCKLAND (O’Reilly Cup, presented by Ryman Healthcare). 

Article added: Monday 22 April 2024