Fifty current or former Black Ferns are among the 105 players who have signed contracts for the inaugural season of Super Rugby Aupiki.
New Zealand Rugby's Chris Lendrum said the announcement of the squads for the four teams marks an important milestone for the women's game.
"Super Rugby Aupiki is a significant milestone in the growth of women's rugby in our country and this group of players rightfully take their place in the history books.
The Chiefs and the Blues played a one off women's Super Rugby match in May. Photo: Photosport
"The competition not only provides players with a pathway to the Black Ferns but opportunities off the field too," he said.
The Chiefs boast the most international experience, nudging slightly ahead of the Blues with almost 200 combined Black Ferns caps.
Matatū sees the most domestic experience with almost 800 Farah Palmer Cup caps between the 26 contracted players, over 200 more than the next team.
Each squad will consist of 28 players, with each club to name their final line-ups by December 1st.
Photo: Suppplied: NZR
Blues
A mix of youth and experience with 13 players having played for the Black Ferns.
They have five teenagers in their ranks and the youngest team, with an average age of 23.
Blues Squad: Eloise Blackwell, Sylvia Brunt, Sam Curtis, Ruahei Demant, Princess Elliot, Theresa Fitzpatrick, Tenaija Fletcher, Mele Hufanga, Aldora Itunu, Tafito Lafaele, Patricia Maliepo, Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, Ilisapeta Molia, Natahlia Moors, Krystal Murray, Aleisha-Pearl Nelson, Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate, Melanie Puckett, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Aroha Savage, Kalyn Takitimu-Cook, Vineta Teutau, Rebecca Todd, Cristo Tofa, Luisa Togotogorua, Chryss Viliko.
Chiefs
The Chiefs have been able to rely on a wealth of experience from inside their boundary, with 16 current or former Black Ferns in their ranks, only three players join the team from outside the region.
Chiefs squad: Chelsea Alley, Ariana Bayler, Kelly Brazier, Luka Connor, Georgia Daals, Victoria Edmonds, Les Elder, Stacey Fluhler, Carla Hohepa, Chyna Hohepa, Grace Houpapa-Barrett, Tanya Kalounivale, Maia Joseph, Arihana Marino-Tauhinu, Angel Mulu, Kendra Reynolds, Kennedy Simon, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Pia Tapsell, Santo Taumata, JayJay Taylor, Harono Te Iringa, Hazel Tubic, Ruby Tui, Renee Wickliffe, Kelsie Wills, Portia Woodman.
A banner supporting the Chiefs women in their match against the Blues in May. Photo: Photosport
Hurricanes
There is a strong Manawatu presence in the Hurricanes, the side will look to capitalise on the Cyclones form from 2021 when they get underway.
Experience comes in the form of Black Ferns Sevens captain Sarah Hirini, Manawatu captain Selica Winiata and Wellington veteran Jackie Patea-Fereti.
The Hurricanes side also includes World Cup winning first five-eighths Vic Subritzky-Nafatali whose experience and spark will control the backline.
Hurricanes squad: Saphire Abraham, Ana Marie Afuie, Lauren Balsillie, Kat Brown, Carys Dallinger, Esther Tilo-Faiaoga, Dhys Faleafaga, Lyric Faleafaga, Teilah Ferguson, Sarah Hirini, Iritana Hohaia, Isadora Leio-Laupola, Ayesha Leti-I'iga, Marilyn Live, Joanah Ngan-Woo, Jayme Nuku, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Jackie Patea-Fereti, Chey Robins-Reti, Layla Sae, Kahurangi Sturmey, Vic Subritzky-Nafatali, Monica Tagoai, Ngano Tavake, Janna Vaughan, Selica Winiata.
Matatū
Matatū has plenty of experience in its line-up with the squad made up predominantly of Canterbury players with Canterbury having won four of the past five Farah Palmer Cup titles.
Australian internationals Arabella McKenzie and Michaela Leonard join the side.
McKenzie was SuperW player of the year in 2021, while Leonard captained the Brumbies.
Matatū squad: Lucy Anderson, Chelsea Bremner, Alana Bremner, Grace Brooker, Kendra Cocksedge, Natalie Delamere, Amy du Plessis, Terauoriwa Gapper, Julia Gorinski, Di Hiini, Renee Holmes, Lucy Jenkins, Rosie Kelly, Michaela Leonard, Martha Mataele, Pip Love, Arabella McKenzie, Liv McGoverne, Kilisitina Moata'ane, Greer Muir, Marcelle Parkes, Moomooga (Ashley) Palu, Georgia Ponsonby, Amy Rule, Grace Steinmetz, Steph Te Ohaere-Fox.
-RNZ
