Super Rugby Aupiki will be back bigger and more lucrative next season, after changes to the women's rugby competition announced by NZ Rugby on Tuesday.
Among the headlines are increased player payments, an extended competition with a home and away format and a longer pre-season.
Non-Black Ferns players who are contracted will have their payments more than doubled to a minimum of $17,000 for the season.
There will also be an increased focus on player development. Each club will contract 30 players (an increase of two players per squad) who will take part in an eight-week individual paid preparation window before a four-week pre-season that will include two matches.
New Zealand Rugby general manager professional rugby and performance Chris Lendrum says the ongoing growth of the tournament will help cement a stronger pathway for aspiring players and increase the overall quality of the on-field product.
"We recognise that for Super Rugby Aupiki to be the best on-field showcase for the women's game, we need to get the preparation right and are confident that the increased individual training and assembly periods will strengthen our players and as a result, the rugby they produce," Lendrum said.
"A full home and away round robin will give fans the chance to see more of their favourite players in action and no doubt culminate in another exciting final like we saw earlier this year."
NZR says it's also exploring a potential combination with Australian counterpart Super W, which will also include pre-season fixtures.
The revamped format will remain in place for the 2024 and 2025 seasons in the build up to Rugby World Cup 2025 in England.
Clubs are currently working through contracting players at the moment with squads to be finalised within the month.
Blues chief executive Andrew Hore says he welcomes the the new initiatives, which he believes will have a follow-on effect to the wider women's game in Aotearoa.
"The support offered to the competition, especially around an increased pre-season shows a genuine desire to grow the women’s game and ensure fans and sponsors have a product they can get behind," says Hore.
"The stronger Super Rugby Aupiki is, the stronger women's rugby in New Zealand will be. A strong competition that is well resourced offering a true high-performance experience ensures there is a pathway for young women wanting to play at the elite level."
