Joseph one of five new faces in Black Ferns contracts
Rugby
Joseph Pearson and Mat Kermeen
She has yet to make her test debut but the days of being a student on struggle street in Dunedin are over for Black Fern in waiting Maia Joseph.
Fresh from being crowned the Matatū’s rookie of the year following the Super Rugby Aupiki season, Joseph, the daughter of former All Black Jamie Joseph, has been named as a newly-contracted fulltime Black Fern in 2024.
Joseph, who is studying medicine at Otago University, said it was a dream come to true to get the special call from Black Ferns director of rugby Allan Bunting.
“It’s definitely something that you dream about for a long time and then when it finally happens,” Joseph said.
“it’s quite overwhelming, but I was really excited.” .
“Also, excited to tell my parents as well, It was really special.”
Joseph is one of five newly-contracted players in the Black Ferns this year, alongside fellow halfback Kahlia Awa, hooker Atlanta Lolohea, lock Maama Vaipulu and first-five Hannah King.
Four players are returning after time away – props Aldora Itunu and Marcelle Parkes, loose forward Kaipo Olsen-Baker and centre-slash-wing Monica Tagoai.
Three players – prop Pip Love, loose forward Mia Anderson and utility Liv McGoverne – have received interim contacts as injury cover, with one full-time contract still to be awarded.
Ataglance
Contracted players
Hookers: Atlanta Lolohea, Georgia Ponsonby, Grace Gago, Luka Connor
Props: Aldora Itunu, Amy Rule, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Chryss Viliko, Kate Henwood, , Marcelle Parkes, Santo Taumata, Sophie Fisher, Tanya Kalounivale
Locks: Chelsea Bremner, Joanah NganWoo, Maama Vaipulu, Maiakawanakaulani Roos
Loose forwards: Alana Bremner, Charmaine Smith, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Kennedy Simon, Layla Sae, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Lucy Jenkins
Halfbacks: Iritana Hohaia, Kahlia Awa,
Ariana Bayler, Maia Joseph
First five-eighths: Hannah King, Patricia Maliepo, Ruahei Demant
Midfielders: Amy du Plessis, Monica Tagoai, Sylvia Brunt
Outside backs: Ayesha Leti-I’iga, Grace Steinmetz, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Mererangi Paul, Renee Holmes, Ruby Tui