General manager of community and provincial rugby Brent Anderson said while it was disappointing to lose Hawkes Bay from this year's competition, the arrival of Counties Manukau and Taranaki was an exciting development for women's rugby.
"It has been an exciting time for the women's game. From the Black Ferns winning their three-test series at home this year, to the women's sevens team, featuring many of our Black Ferns, who were crowned world sevens champions in Moscow.
"We have really seen women more involved in the game through sevens, secondary schools and through club rugby. Many women and young girls playing rugby cheered on the Black Ferns at Eden Park, Waikato Stadium and Pukekohe Stadium during their three tests against England.
"This competition will be an important platform for many of the women eyeing up a call-up for next year's World Cup squad,'' he said.
Counties Manukau captain and Black Fern Rawinia Everitt said: "I am really excited that Counties Manukau is fielding a team in this year's WPC. Most of the girls in the squad are new to this level of rugby and there are a handful who do add some experience. The girls are keen to learn from one another at trainings or be pushed to the limits from our experienced coaching team.''
Taranaki will this year be captained by Neesha Barrett - first cousin to Taranaki rugby sons Scott, Kane, and Beauden Barrett.
"This is the first time Taranaki has had a team in the WPC in over a decade so we're very excited. Obviously there are a few nerves but we have a really great team who are very supportive of each other. As players, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to play on the national stage against the best women's rugby players in the country.''
