Three Bay of Plenty rugby players have been selected in the wider Black Ferns training squad for 2016.
Luka Connor, Hana Tapiata and Mikyla Wardlaw are among the 56 players who will be part of a 12-month high performance training programme for 2016, focused on strength and conditioning and buildingtechnical and tactical skills.
Black Ferns head coach Glenn Moore said he and his coaching and management team were looking ahead to the Women's Rugby World Cup in Ireland in 2017 in naming a wider squad.
"We'll be announcing our test programme for 2016 soon and all these women have the opportunity to be part of the Black Ferns.
"We have our eyes on the prize - the Women's Rugby World Cup in 2017.
"The campaign to once again be world champions has begun. The players are hungry for it and we will make sure the World Cup team represents the best players in New Zealand."
New Zealand Rugby head of women's rugby development Cate Sexton said the depth of player talent highlighted the increased interest in women's rugby.
"Naming 56 players from around New Zealand who have a shot at the black jersey shows how much talent is out there. "
