New Black Ferns coach Allan Bunting has named nine rookies in his first squad to contest the Pacific Four and O'Reilly Cup series over the next four months.
Props Kate Henwood and Esther Faiaoga-Tilo, hooker Grace Gago, loose forward Lucy Jenkins, halfback Iritana Hohaia, first-five Rosie Kelly, and outside backs Katelyn Vahaakolo, Mererangi Paul and Tenika Willison eye potential debuts, when the NZ women take on Australia, Canada and USA in their first international fixtures, since retain the World Cup last year.
"These players have impressed us across Super Rugby Aupiki, but more importantly, have joined our Black Ferns environment and taken the opportunity to put their best foot forward to wear the black jersey," said Bunting.
"We are excited to see their progression this year."
Co-captains Ruahei Demant and Kennedy Simon will retain their leadership roles from that campaign, but several of that team's converted sevens stars - namely Sara Hirini, Portia Woodman, Stacey Fluhler, Ruby Tui and Theresa Fitzpatrick - are missing.
"Ruahei and Kennedy, are inspiring wāhine and complement one another with their leadership style," said Bunting. "Their trust, clear communication and leading actions provides us with a strong platform to continue to build as a team."
Hohaia will replace retired halfback Kendra Cocksedge, while the 30-strong group includes 11 from the Super Rugby champion Matatū side.
Willison and Kelsey Teneti have contributed to the Black Ferns Sevens programmes in recent years, and will transition those skills to the expanded format.
"Kelsey has been a part of the 2023 Black Ferns Sevens campaign and while she is still putting her hand up for the 2024 Paris Olympics, she is a talented midfielder and is eager to grow her 15s game, with her sights on the Rugby World Cup," said Bunting, who guided the NZ women to Tokyo Olympic gold.
"Both [Black Ferns Sevens coach Cory Sweeney] and I are supportive of this, and look forward to seeing her on the field developing her game."
The Black Ferns kick off their campaign against Australia on June 29 at Brisbane.
The full Black Ferns squad is:
Props - Esther Faiaoga-Tilo, Kate Henwood, Tanya Kalounivale, Krystal Murray, Philippa Love, Amy Rule
Hookers - Luka Connor, Grace Gago, Georgia Ponsonby
Locks - Chelsea Bremner, Joanah Ngan Woo, Maiakawanakaulani Roos
Loose Forwards - Alana Bremner, Lucy Jenkins, Liana Mikaele Tu'u, Kendra Reynolds, Kennedy Simon
Halfbacks - Iritana Hohaia, Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu
First Five-Eighths - Ruahei Demant, Rosie Kelly
Midfield - Grace Brooker, Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai'i (Sylvia) Brunt, Amy du Plessis, Kelsey Teneti
Outside Backs - Renee Holmes, Ayesha Leti-I'iga, Mererangi Paul, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Tenika Willison
More to come
