New Zealand's women rugby players say they're finally going to be paid for the professional work they already do.

After a record profit for the New Zealand Rugby Union, the women are set to get professional contracts for the first time.

Former Black Fern Monalisa Urquhart told Kate Hawkesby even playing as an amateur, it still costs time and money to train at the top level.

She says they're still expected to be up in the early hours of each morning for training.

"Heading to our normal day job then doing a practice afterwards, it can only help in looking after nanny's or our support crews."

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