Rugby New Zealand has offered a professional contract of $40,000 - $45,000 to 20-year-old Kilisitina Moata’ane of Dunedin, Otago. Moata’ane was one of 28 female rugby players in New Zealand to be awarded professional rugby contracts last week. She previously played for the Tonga Women’s National Rugby League team.

The contracting was a historic moment for New Zealand, as it is the first time for female rugby players to be offered professional contracts in the country.

Moata’ane told The Otago Daily, ''I don't play rugby just for the money. I never pictured that. I didn't think we would ever get paid.”

The Otago Rugby Football Union commended Moata’ane’s achievement.

General Manager Richard Kinley stated, ''We are thrilled for her. It is fantastic recognition for where she is at as a player,''

“She is going to be a role model for a lot of players coming through. I see it as a start of pretty good things to come.''