The Wellington Blaze have confirmed their first round of women's domestic contracts for the 2026/27 season, retaining the core of last season's successful squad while adding to the group ahead of another domestic summer.

The initial list of 12 contracted players reflects continuity within a side that enjoyed another strong campaign last season, completing its second Super Smash three-peat and finishing runners-up in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield. The group includes the addition of batting all-rounder Isy Parry from Otago and 18-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Neha Ramanathan, who earns her first domestic contract.

Parry joins the Blaze after spending the past two seasons with the Otago Sparks. The 21-year-old made her domestic debut last season and featured in four Hallyburton Johnstone Shield matches. A right-hand batter who also offers right-arm off-spin, Parry adds further depth and versatility to the Blaze squad.

Ramanathan receives her maiden domestic contract following a strong 2025/26 season for North City Cricket Club and at the Under-19 level. The 18-year-old wicketkeeper-batter scored 304 Premier Women's runs at an average of 38.00 before impressing at the National Under-19 Tournament. She continued that form during the New Zealand Under-19 Women's training camp matches in the Bates vs Devine Series, finishing as the leading run-scorer with 174 runs, including an unbeaten 108 in a 50-over match.

Blaze Head Coach Jonny Bassett-Graham said he was excited by the group the Blaze had assembled for the new season.

"We're really pleased to have retained the majority of last season's squad. The group built a special culture and played a brand of cricket built on belief, resilience and never giving up, and we're looking forward to building on that this summer.

"We're also excited to welcome Isy and Neha into the contracted group. They each bring something different to our environment, and we're looking forward to helping them continue to develop alongside an experienced playing group."

General Manager High Performance Dave Wildash said the first round of contracts reflected the strength of the Blaze programme and its continued focus on building for the future.

"Retaining the core of last season's squad gives us real continuity heading into the new season, while the additions of Isy and Neha strengthen the depth of our programme.

"Isy arrives with valuable domestic experience as a batting all-rounder and adds balance and flexibility to the squad, while Neha has thoroughly earned her first domestic contract through the performances she's produced and the work she's put in through our pathway programme. Being around experienced coaches like Jonny and Mo will provide a great opportunity for her to continue developing both her batting and wicketkeeping skillsets."

The Blaze will also once again benefit from the availability of centrally contracted WHITE FERNS Georgia Plimmer, Jess Kerr and Melie Kerr throughout the domestic season when not on international duty.

The squad also farewells Gemma Sims, who has recently stepped away from professional cricket (read more here), while Antonia Hamilton comes off contract but will remain part of the wider Blaze squad. Hannah Ryan has also departed the programme.

The first 12 contracted Wellington Blaze players for the 2026/27 season are:

• Hannah Francis
• Isla McKenzie
• Isy Parry*
• Jess McFadyen
• Jess Simmons
• Natasha Codyre
• Neha Ramanathan**
• Nicole Baird
• Rachel Bryant
• Rebecca Burns
• Sam Mackinder
• Xara Jetly
   

*First Blaze Contract
**First Domestic Contract

The Blaze's 13th contracted player will be announced later this month ahead of the squad coming together for preseason preparations for the 2026/27 domestic season.

Article added: Wednesday 05 August 2026