New Players Take First Steps into Professional Cricket

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Twenty-five newly contracted players came together in Auckland on September 23 and 24 for the 2026 NZCPA Player Induction Forum, taking one of their first steps into life as professional cricketers.

Held annually, the two-day forum provides new players with an introduction to the professional cricket environment and, importantly, to the people, programmes and services available through the New Zealand Cricket Players’ Association.

It follows the same fundamental purpose as previous induction forums: establishing relationships with players early and helping them understand the opportunities, expectations and support that come with becoming a professional cricketer. This year’s forum emphasised introducing players to the NZCPA and the lifelong support available through the organisation.

NZCPA Player Services Manager Brad Rodden said the forum was about ensuring players knew from the outset that they had a strong network around them.

“Signing your first professional contract is a really exciting moment, but there is also a lot to take in and understand when you enter the professional environment for the first time.

“The induction forum gives us the opportunity to bring the players together, build those relationships early and make sure they understand what the NZCPA can do for them. We want them to know who they can talk to, what support is available and that we are here for them throughout their careers and well beyond their playing days.”

Day One began with Rodden, NZCPA Chief Executive Simon Porter and Commercial Manager Glen Sulzberger introducing the players to the organisation, its history, role and key contacts.

That was followed by a Player’s Viewpoint session featuring experienced internationals Ish Sodhi and Lea Tahuhu, who shared some of the lessons they have learned from their own journeys through professional cricket. The opening day concluded with Lesley Elvidge introducing players to the NZCPA Personal Development Programme.

For Sodhi and Tahuhu, the opportunity to speak with players at the beginning of their careers was a chance to reinforce the importance of making the most of the support available around them.

Sodhi said, “when you first come into professional cricket, naturally so much of your attention is on performing, earning your place and trying to become the best player you can be.

“But there is a lot more to having a successful career than what happens on the field.

You need to invest in yourself away from the game, whether that’s your wellbeing, relationships, study, work interests or just having something outside cricket that gives you perspective. That balance actually helps you become a better cricketer as well.

Lea Tahuhu said having support around players from the beginning of their professional careers was invaluable.

”One of the really positive things for this group is knowing they have the NZCPA and a whole network of people around them from day one.

“There will be highs and lows along the way, and my advice would be to ask questions, use the people around you and enjoy the opportunities that come with the journey.”

Day Two gave the players an insight into many of the practical areas they will encounter during their professional careers.

Rodden and Sulzberger took the group through the Master Agreement, player contracts and anti-corruption, before Sulzberger introduced the Cricket Players’ Property Trust and personal promotions.

Ainsley Benefield, Founder and Director of workplace consultancy Hive, joined Lesley Elvidge for the Day Two Personal Development Programme, including a facilitated diversity and inclusion session.

The afternoon then turned to some of the important support structures that sit around a professional career. Ivy Valderrama, Blake Etheridge-Yan, and Jack Mahoney introduced the Cricketers’ Retirement Fund, Kelsey Bradshaw and Rhiannon Nafoi discussed insurance, medical and ACC support, with Liam Stewart from nib also speaking to the group and providing plenty of giveaways, while Marty Croy and Liz Green introduced the players to NZC and the Major Association high-performance programmes.

Those topics reflect the breadth of the Day Two programme, which spans contracts and anti-corruption through to financial preparation, insurance and the high-performance environment.

For Auckland Hearts newcomer Ella Drumm, one of the biggest impressions from the forum was the breadth of support available.

“I knew the NZCPA was there to support players, but I probably didn’t realise just how many different areas that support covers.

“You come into your first contract thinking mainly about cricket, but over these two days we’ve learned about so many things that can help us both as players and as people. It’s reassuring to know there is such a strong network around us and that there are people we can reach out to whenever we need them.”

Canterbury’s Ronnie Kapur said the forum had also helped make the transition into the professional game feel less daunting.

“What probably stood out most was knowing how many people are there to help us. There are a lot of things you don’t necessarily think about when you sign your first contract, and having everything explained at the start gives you a much better understanding of the environment you are coming into.

“It has also been really good getting to know the other new players and the NZCPA team. You come away feeling like you know who you can talk to and where you can go if you ever need some support.”

Alongside the formal sessions, the forum provided an opportunity for the 25 players to get to know one another as they begin their professional careers.

Although they will represent different Major Associations and compete against each other during the season, they share many of the same experiences and challenges as they make the transition into professional cricket.

For the NZCPA, establishing that sense of connection from the outset is an important part of the induction process.

By the time the forum concluded on Thursday afternoon, the players had been given an introduction not only to the professional environment they are entering, but also to the network of people who will support them throughout the journey.

Their first professional contracts represent the beginning of their playing careers, but they also mark the beginning of a relationship with the NZCPA that extends well beyond their time in the game.

2026 Newly Contracted Players

Men

Auckland: Luke Watson

Central Districts: Sam Cassidy

Canterbury: Lachie Harper, Ronnie Kapur

Northern Districts: James Naylor, Cooper Rowell

Otago: Toby Hart, Tom Jones, Thomas O'Connor

Wellington: Ryan Tsourgas

Women

Auckland: Ella Drumm, Kat Thomas

Central Districts: Lizzy Cohr, Jessie Hollard

Canterbury: Yssabel Cullen, Ciara Hartland