Southland is the only major province not to field a team in the Farah Palmer Cup.
But that looks set to change.
In a big step towards joining the tournament, Southland has named a women's representative team.
It will play a match against the Otago development team in Gore this weekend, and will also play games against Canterbury B, North Otago and Tasman.
Rugby Southland re-established a women's club competition last season and is building up the grade.
There were six teams this year, although it was a 10-a-side tournament. But the teams had the option of playing 15-a-side games if there were enough players, and some 15-a-side games were played.
The club tournament involved a team from Queenstown, two from Gore and three Invercargill-based teams.
The idea behind the 10-a-side format was to allow the clubs to gradually build in the hope of creating a sustainable 15-a-side grade once the numbers allowed.
An academy for women has also been set up to assist with developing the game in the deep south.
There was a Highlanders' region combined tournament staged this season as well. It involved teams from Dunedin, Southland, Oamaru and Central Otago.
Dunedin club champion University won the tournament. It is hoped it will become a much bigger competition in the future.
Southland women’s team
Hana Bryant, Teilah Templeton, Krishanee Tomou (captain), Michelle Neho, Sophia Taumafai, Kirsty Thwaites, Ellawyches Curran, Nicky Crawford, Gina McKenzie, Laura Sadler, Martha Broughton, Harmony Smith, Delayne Ryan, Tessa Hewlett, Sarah Graham. Reserves: Georgia Holland, Katie Murray, Rea Henry, Mary Anne Thomas, Stacey Roderique, Sipa Saili, Devon Grey, Courtney Hume.
