NEWS: Two of New Zealand’s brightest young stars are among those named in the Black Ferns Sevens contracted squad for 2025.

Teenagers Maia Davis and Le’Oxeayn Maiu’u join the Olympic champions squad as preparations for the upcoming season are well underway.

Maiu’u joined the team’s base in Mt Maunganui, while Davis is completing her year 13 at Manukura before relocating.

Davis is a familiar name to many, having two seasons of Farah Palmer Cup with the Manawatū Cyclones under her belt – along with two campaigns with the New Zealand U18 Sevens team and a stint in the New Zealand Sevens Development team.

Maiu’u made her FPC debut for Auckland this season and was first named in the Condors Sevens selection team in 2019 as a 13-year-old.

That team featured current Black Ferns Sevens players Jorja Miller, Kelsey Teneti and Manaia Nuku.

Black Ferns Sevens head coach Cory Sweeney said both athletes have huge potential.

“I think every sport in New Zealand has eyes on Maia; she’s a talented young athlete. One of the most important skillsets in sevens is kicking and Maia comes in really advanced in that space. She has great game awareness and is a well-rounded player.”

“Le’Oxeayn is similar to Portia [Woodman-Wickliffe]. She is another netballer that has the great footwork that comes from netball and has a sprinting background, so we are excited to get her in the programme and develop her into a professional sevens player.”

Sweeney anticipates both players will have an opportunity to debut on the world stage in the upcoming season.

“We are at the start of a four-year cycle so have time to grow and develop these players along with other young players that come in. I anticipate these two players will feature on the World Series this season,” said Sweeney.

The Black Ferns Sevens currently has 17 contracted players, with the potential of three players to be added in the new year, and a further five development contracts also on offer.

Development contracts allow emerging players to be immersed in the environment for up to 50 days throughout the season.

Black Ferns squad: Michaela Blyde, Kelly Brazier, Maia Davis, Dhys Faleafaga, Jazmin Felix-Hotham, Sarah Hirini, Shiray Kaka, Le Oxeayn Maiu’u, Justine McGregor, Jorja Miller, Manaia Nuku, Mahina Paul, Risi Pouri Lane, Alena Saili, Theresa Setefano, Kelsey Teneti, Stacey Waaka.