Flora Devonshire's star is rising with a first-time inclusion on the list of nationally contracted WHITE FERNS, announced by NZC today.

The left-handed 23-year-old joins Central Hinds senior players Rosemary Mair and Hannah Rowe on the 2026/27 contracted roster which, in addition to income, provides the 17 top players nationally with NZC training structures and services to prepare players to perform at the top level, year-round.

Currently away in England with Mair at the ICC T20 World Cup, Devonshire is one of two new faces on the WHITE FERNS contracts list, alongside Canterbury's Izzy Sharp. Northern's Nensi Patel also reappears for the first time in two years. All three have already represented New Zealand.

A high five from Hannah Rowe | PHOTOSPORT

Devonshire and Sharp’s contracts come off the back of their involvement in NZC’s Central Players of Interest programme over the past 12 months - one of the national organisation's women’s pathway avenues that aims to accelerate the development of high-potential talent.

They replace retired or retiring veterans Suzie Bates, Lauren Down, and Lea Tahuhu, alongside Sophie Devine who was meanwhile on a casual playing agreement last year.

Devonshire made her international debut in March 2025 and has since been named in two World Cup squads, but ultimately missed the first one through injury two years ago.

She has persisted through a plague of finger injuries over the last year and continues to impress with her all-round skills and clean ball-striking for the Hinds.

Hannah Rowe, Flora Devonshire and Rosemary Mair | PHOTOSPORT

WHITE FERNS head coach Ben Sawyer said he was pleased to reward the newcomers with a national contract. 

“Congratulations to all 17 contracted players, especially to Flora, Nensi and Izzy who are new to the list,” he said.  

“All three add talent and energy to the group and we’re really excited about their future as WHITE FERNS.

“Flora’s a clean striker with lots of power. “Being left-handed she offers a point of difference as she’s able to hit to different areas of the field, and there’s the added bonus of her left-arm orthodox bowling. 

“Nensi’s consistently accurate with the ball, and she has great control over her length and pace.” 

Sawyer said he saw similarities between Sharp and Devine. 

“Izzy’s batting has been building from strength to strength. She possesses similar qualities to Sophie and with Soph stepping away from international cricket soon, it’s really exciting to bring someone with Izzy’s power onto a central contract so we can keep working with her to develop those skills.” 

He added that the contract selection process was not easy. 

“Every year, the contracting process gets tougher because there’s a growing pool of players fighting for spots. 

“It means there’s genuine depth building in our women’s system which is ultimately a great thing for the WHITE FERNS."

 

 

Contracts

2026/27 

Eden Carson - Otago Sparks

Flora Devonshire - Central Hinds

Izzy Gaze - Auckland Hearts

Maddy Green - Auckland Hearts

Brooke Halliday - Auckland Hearts

Bree Illing - Auckland Hearts

Polly Inglis - Otago Sparks

Bella James - Otago Sparks

Fran Jonas - Auckland Hearts

Jess Kerr - Wellington Blaze

Melie Kerr - Wellington Blaze

Rosemary Mair - Central Hinds

Nensi Patel - Northern Brave

Molly Penfold - Auckland Hearts

Georgia Plimmer - Wellington Blaze

Hannah Rowe - Central Hinds

Izzy Sharp - Canterbury Magicians

Article added: Friday 12 June 2026