Photo / Richard Spranger

Counties Energy Heat players Arihiana Marino-Tauhino and Hazel Tubic have secured Black Ferns contracts for the 2022 season.

Both players were included in the 30-strong list of players that will get central contracts, which means they have both finished up working with Counties Manukau Rugby Union in the development space.

They will however return to play for the Heat in the Farah Palmer Cup later in the year.

Meanwhile several Heat players have linked up with squads for this year’s inaugural Super Rugby Aupiki competition.

Shyanne Thompson and Lanulangi Veainu join Tubic, Arihiana, Ruby Tui, and Harono Te Iringa in the Chiefs while Leilani Perese joined the Hurricanes.