Otago's Bella James earns White Ferns contract
James' contract comes after several seasons of hard work on the domestic scene which earned her a maiden international call up nearly ten years on from the day in 2014 when she made her Sparks debut at just 16 years of age.
James has been a key part in the Sparks' batting unit, producing consistent performances throughout the season and assisting the Sparks in claiming back-to-back Hallyburton Johnstone Shield (HBJ) titles.
Her ball-striking confidence was evident on her White Ferns debut when she struck her first international boundary, a six, off the ICC's third-ranked ODI bowler, Megan Schutt, during December's Rosebowl series against Australia.
Illing, 21, made her domestic debut in 2022 and has quickly climbed the ranks, becoming the Hearts' leading wicket-taker just three seasons later.
Her left-arm swing has proved a force to be reckoned with, claiming 29 wickets across both formats this season, 21 of which were during Auckland's HB campaign at an average of 21, including two four-wicket bags: 4-39 and 4-49.
Illing's memorable summer continued when she made her ODI and T20I debuts against Sri Lanka, claiming six wickets across the two series, including the prized wicket of visiting captain Chamari Athapaththu on two occasions.
Illing and James, who are currently on a New Zealand A tour in England, assume the contract vacancies left by the recently retired Hayley Jensen, and Sophie Devine — who opted for a casual playing agreement.
White Ferns coach Ben Sawyer praised Illing and James.
"Bella's been a consistent performer at the domestic level and had a great debut series against Australia last year," Sawyer said.
"She's got the competencies that we believe will succeed at the international level.
"Bree had an outstanding series against Sri Lanka.
"To show up the way she did against a world class batter like Chamari shows she's ready for international cricket."
White Fern contracts 2025-26: Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Lauren Down, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Melie Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu.
— APL
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RNZ News
5 hours ago
- RNZ News
Rapper Snoop Dogg announced as AFL grand final pre-game entertainment
Snoop Dogg's hits include Drop It Like It's Hot, Gin and Juice and Young, Wild & Free. Photo: PARAS GRIFFIN The AFL has announced that American rapper Snoop Dogg will headline the pre-game entertainment at this year's grand final. The rapper, record producer, and actor has been described by the AFL as a global music icon and "one of the most recognisable and influential artists in the world", with a career spanning three decades. His hits include Drop It Like It's Hot, Gin and Juice and Young, Wild & Free. He joins a list of international artists to feature on grand final day, including Katy Perry, Robbie Williams and The Killers. "It's an absolute honour to be hitting the stage at the AFL Grand Final," the artist said in a statement released by the AFL. "It's one of the biggest events on the Aussie calendar. "Can't wait to bring the energy and celebrate with the fans. Let's make it unforgettable." AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said Snoop Dogg would help ensure the grand final was a celebration of culture, energy, and entertainment. "The AFL grand final is the biggest event on the Australian sporting calendar - and this year, it just got a whole lot bigger," he said. "Snoop Dogg is a pioneer, a performer, and a true entertainer. He's played to packed stadiums around the world - but we think 100,000 fans at the MCG might just be his most iconic crowd yet." Mr Dillon defended the AFL's choice of an international artist and hinted there would be a home grown performer in the line-up. "He's (Snoop Dogg) been at the Super Bowl, performed at the Olympics … but he's also very famous for his collaborations so I think if we're looking for Australian artists, there'll certainly be an Australian artist who will be featured on grand final day," he said. "I understand he follows the Western Bulldogs so I'm not sure he's necessarily an aficionado but he certainly knows about the game. "Who knows, we might get like a little cameo in the commentary box as well." In 2007, the federal government banned the rapper from entering the country, saying he did not meet the character requirements for a visa after he was convicted of drug and firearms offences in the US. The ban was lifted in 2008. The pre-game entertainment generally starts an hour before kick-off with a motorcade featuring the coaches and players from the two teams, followed by a number of performances. The 2025 grand final begins at the traditional time of 2:30pm on September 27. - ABC
NZ Herald
7 hours ago
- NZ Herald
All Blacks v Argentina Rugby Championship first test: Line-ups, kickoff times, how to watch – all you need to know
Argentina won - 3 Draws - 1 All Blacks points scored - 1506 Argentina points scored - 554 All Blacks' record in Argentina 1985 - All Blacks 33 Argentina 20, Buenos Aires 1985 - All Blacks 21 Argentina 21, Buenos Aires 1991 - All Blacks 28 Argentina 14, Buenos Aires 1991 - All Blacks 36 Argentina 6, Buenos Aires 2001 - All Blacks 24 Argentina 20, Buenos Aires 2006 - All Blacks 25 Argentina 19, Buenos Aires 2012 - All Blacks 54 Argentina 15, La Plata 2013 - All Blacks 33 Argentina 15, La Plata 2014 - All Blacks 34 Argentina 13, La Plata 2016 - All Blacks 36 Argentina 17, Buenos Aires 2017 - All Blacks 36 Argentina 10, Buenos Aires 2018 - All Blacks 35 Argentina 17, Buenos Aires 2019 - All Blacks 20 Argentina 16, Buenos Aires 2023 - All Blacks 41 Argentina 12, Mendoza All Blacks v Argentina line-ups All Blacks side: Named 8.30am Thursday Argentina side: TBC Form guide (past five tests) All Blacks: W, W, W, W, L Argentina: W, L, L, W, L All Blacks v Argentina - last time they met All Blacks 42 Argentina 10, Eden Park Rebounding in ruthless fashion from the first shock loss of Scott Robertson's tenure, the All Blacks delivered a clinical, backs-to-the-wall response at Eden Park to square this year's ledger with the Pumas. In challenging conditions, after heavy rain throughout the day, the All Blacks scored five first-half tries to put the result to bed by halftime. From an individual standpoint Will Jordan, in his first test start since shoulder surgery, delivered an immediate reminder of his class by proving a constant threat. Ardie Savea with his carrying, Tupou Vaa'i, in Scott Barrett and Patrick Tuipulotu's absence, impressed and Tamaiti Williams, other than one scrum penalty, nailed his starting elevation. Beauden Barrett slotted into first five-eighths for the final half-an-hour to reignite the debate about whether he or McKenzie should start there. Inside him, Cortez Ratima once again injected speed from the base. All Blacks v Argentina referee Frenchman Pierre Brousset is in charge of the test. His only previous All Blacks match was last year's 29-11 win over Italy in Turin. The only time he's been in charge of an Argentina test was the 67-27 home win over Australia last September. He most recently was referee for the British and Irish Lions win over the Brumbies. All Blacks v Argentina TAB odds All Blacks: $1.30 Draw: $21 Argentina: $3.40 All Blacks Rugby Championship schedule August 16, 9.10am - All Blacks v Argentina, Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium, Cordoba August 23, 9.10am - All Blacks v Argentina, Velez Sarsfield Stadium, Buenos Aires Saturday, September 6, 7.05pm – All Blacks v South Africa, Eden Park, Auckland Saturday, September 13, 7.05pm – All Blacks v South Africa, Sky Stadium, Wellington Saturday, September 27, 5.05pm – All Blacks v Australia, Eden Park, Auckland Saturday, October 4, 10.45pm – All Blacks v Australia, Perth All Blacks v Argentina - how to follow the action For live commentary of All Blacks v Argentina, join Elliott Smith on Newstalk ZB, Gold Sport and iHeartRadio. Plus the Alternative Commentary Collective will be providing commentary on their iHeartRadio stream. You can watch the game on Sky Sport 1 and it will be livestreaming on Sky Sport Now. You can also find live updates at
RNZ News
19 hours ago
- RNZ News
Origin star Kurt Capewell out, Tanah Boyd returns for NZ Warriors against Dragons
Kurt Capewell will miss the Dragons game under concussion protocols. Photo: State of Origin star Kurt Capewell will miss NZ Warriors' crucial home game against St George Illawarra Dragons on Friday with concussion, but halfback Tanah Boyd is back in the starting line-up. Boyd was a last-minute drop from the team that fell to Canterbury Bulldogs last weekend, but has been ushered back into the line-up to replace the man who replaced him - Te Maire Martin - who lasted just 23 minutes, before also succumbing to concussion. Capewell left the field in the 60th minute for a head check and was cleared to return, re-entering the game with five minutes left on the clock, but has apparently not recovered as hoped afterwards. His place in the second row will be filled by teenage sensation Leka Halasima, with rookie Eddie Ieremia-Toeava promoted to the interchange. Hooker Wayde Egan also returns from a shoulder niggle, replacing Freddy Lussick in the playing line-up. Meanwhile, the Dragons have tweaked the team that defeated Cronulla Sharks last week, with Hastings-born centre Mat Feagai returning from a groin injury to replace Moses Suli, who has injured a knee. Prop Michael Molo is back from an ankle injury, while Auckland-born youngster Loko Pasifiki Tonga is named for the first time since Round 18. The Warriors sit fifth on the NRL table, but just two points clear of Brisbane Broncos and Cronulla Sharks, with eighth-placed Dolphins and ninth-placed Sydney Roosters another two back. St George are 11th, four points outside the playoff eight, but have accounted for tabletoppers Canberra Raiders and Cronulla in their last two outings. Warriors: 1. Taine Tuaupiki, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Adam Pompey, 4. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Tanah Boyd, 8. James Fisher-Harris, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Jackson Ford, 11. Leka Halasima, 12. Marata Niukore, 13. Erin Clark Interchange: 14. Sam Healey, 15. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, 16. Demetric Vaimauga, 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith Reserves: 18. Freddy Lussick, 20. Ed Kosi, 21. Tom Ale, 22. Kayliss Fatialofa, 25. Bunty Afoa Dragons: 1. Clint Gutherson, 2. Tyrell Sloan, 3. Hayden Buchanan, 4. Mat Feagai, 5. Corey Allan, 6. Lyhkan King-Tongia, 7. Kyle Flanagan, 8. Emre Guler, 9. Damien Cook, 10. David Klemmer, 11. Luciano Leilua, 12. Hamish Stewart, 13. Jack de Belin Interchange: 14. Jacob Liddle, 15. Michael Molo, 16. Hame Sele, 17. Loko Pasifiki Tonga Reserves: 18. Ben Murdoch-Masila, 19. Lachlan Ilias, 20. Jacob Halangahu, 21. Nathan Lawson, 22. Christian Tuipulotu Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
