15 March 2024
New Zealand Rugby League is pleased to announce that the following players have been selected for the Ahi Kā Aotearoa travelling squad, to compete in the Harvey Norman Women’s Championship in the Gold Coast from 21 – 24 March.
Following a successful inaugural campaign in 2023, the team returns to the Championship with a squad of under-21s wāhine selected to represent New Zealand Rugby League, off the back of the successful ‘RISE’ Talent Development Programme.
In partnership with the NRL, the yearly RISE programme saw an expansion from 2023. Previously only delivered in Auckland, earlier this year the programme was delivered across multiple sessions in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.
RISE aims to better prepare young players for the rigours of high-performance environments such as the NRLW, targeting female players aged 17-21.
The Harvey Norman Women’s National Championship is an elite pathways tournament, allowing players from across Australia and New Zealand to showcase their skills in the representative arena.
The tournament consists of teams split into three grades across a four-day draw held in Pizzey Park, Gold Coast from March 21. Ahi Kā Aotearoa will play four games, facing the New South Wales City, Northern Territory, and Western Australia representative teams in their grade.
NZRL Head of Women’s Rugby League Luisa Avaiki says, “It is exciting to have a New Zealand team in the Championships again, what an amazing opportunity for our young wāhine to showcase their talent at an elite tournament.
“This is important for the development of female rugby league in New Zealand, and will hopefully lead to opportunities for girls in the NRLW and Kiwi Ferns. I look forward to seeing our female rugby league continue growing.”
Entry to the event is free across all four days and games will be live-streamed on the NRLW YouTube channel.
NZRL congratulates the following players:
Ahi Kā Aotearoa Schedule:
Thursday 21 March: Ahi Kā Aotearoa v New South Wales City – 12:30pm NZT
Friday 22 March: Ahi Kā Aotearoa v Northern Territory – 1:30pm NZT
Saturday 23 March: Ahi Kā Aotearoa v Western Australia – 1:30pm NZT
Sunday 24 March: Ahi Kā Aotearoa v TBC – TBC
Follow NZRL’s social channels to keep up with their journey throughout the tournament.