• Theresa Fitzpatrick, Tyla Nathan-Wong, Niall Williams, Natahlia Moors all contracted to the Black Ferns Sevens
• Moors is the newest Auckland face after being signed to a training contract
• Squad is now preparing for April’s Commonwealth games on the Gold Coast, Australia

Natahlia Moors is the newest face from Auckland to be contracted by the Black Ferns Sevens for the remainder of the 2018 campaign. Moors joins current Auckland stars Theresa Fitzpatrick, Tyla Nathan-Wong and Niall Williams. The four Aucklanders are part of the 2018 squad of 23 contracted players; 20 of those are full contracts and the remaining 3 training contracts.

The chosen 23 are currently in preparation for the Commonwealth Games to be held on the Gold Coast in April, but also keeping a distant eye on the Rugby World Cup Sevens later in the year.

Moors, who has previously represented Australia at the Youth Olympics, joins the squad on a training contract but has the potential to offer a point of difference according to Head Coach Allan Bunting.

“She’s a bit of a wild card. Natahlia was a wing that has moved to halfback and she’s done well in that change. She brings excitement and flair and something a bit different.”

“The idea of training contracts is to support these younger players to migrate into the full squad. There is a big gap between national and international level, so we are looking to give them support to get physically ready and grow their technical skill set.”

While Moors progression will be something worth keeping a watchful eye over, Theresa Fitzpatrick, Tyla Nathan-Wong and Niall Williams will be aiming to further consolidate their positions within the side and be amongst the first names on the team sheet for the remainder of the 2018 season.

With spots up for grabs at the Commonwealth Games and World Cup, motivation will not be in short-supply over the coming months.

Black Ferns Sevens contracted squad:

Shakira Baker – Waikato
Michaela Blyde - Bay of Plenty
Kelly Brazier – Bay of Plenty
Gayle Broughton – Bay of Plenty
Lyric Faleafaga – Wellington
Rhiarna Ferris – Manawatu*
Theresa Fitzpatrick – Auckland
Sarah Goss – Manawatu
Huia Harding – Waikato*
Jazmin Hotham – Waikato* (training contract)
Natahlia Moors - Auckland* (training contract)
Tyla Nathan-Wong – Auckland
Risi Pouri-Lane – Tasman*
Leanna Ryan - Waikato* (training contract)
Alena Saili - Southland
Shiray Tane – Waikato
Terina Te Tamaki – Waikato
Ruby Tui – Bay of Plenty
Stacey Waaka – Waikato
Kat Whata-Simpkins – Wellington
Niall Williams – Auckland
Tenika Willison – Waikato
Portia Woodman – Counties Manukau