It is up more than $243 million on the last tournament.
With Super Rugby Aupiki running for only five weeks teams have a limited training window, however the Auckland rugby hub has opened its arms to players across the region.
Visit Saudi will not be a sponsor at the women's World Cup later this year following the outcry of opposition from the host nations, Australia and New Zealand.
A letter signed by 150 players from national teams on every continent was sent to FIFA in October.
The Northern Stars have made Elle Temu's 50th match one to remember with a record win thanks to a lights-out performance from shooter Maia Wilson.
The shock result moved Phoenix to within a point of 10th-placed Newcastle with a game in hand in their quest to avoid back-to-back wooden spoons.
Leading at every break, the Stars were always in the box seat for a commanding 66-47 win over the Magic at Trustpower Baypark Arena in Tauranga.
Chiefs Manawa have fended off a late challenge from Matatū to guarantee themselves top spot heading into next weekend's Super Rugby Aupiki semi-finals.
The three-match series has been reintroduced to provide greater playing opportunities for promising female players after it was last played in the 2010-2011 summer.
Shea Connors finished a breakaway effort to cancel out Marisa van der Meer's first-half header in a 1-1 draw at Sky Stadium.
Canterbury and White Ferns great Amy Satterthwaite was denied a fairytale finish to her career with Wellington winning the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield final.
Despite being outscored in the second half, Chiefs Manawa forged a comprehensive 50-33 over the Blues with some impressive skills to match their big scoreline.
A new year means exciting new players - and opportunities for established stars to once again shine.
New Zealand Rugby unveiled the first batch of Tests for the world champions today with only one fixture being on home soil - but there's hope more could be added.
Sir John Kirwan, Jools and Lynda Topp and Professor Rangi Mātāmua are also in the running.
As a youngster Walker used to play Colin McRae Rally on the PlayStation - now she's taking the wheel of the real thing.
Australia has now won six of the eight T20 World Cups played.
Matatū recorded their first ever Super Rugby Aupiki victory beating the Blues 33-31 to launch their second season with a statement in Dunedin.
Phoenix coach Natalie Lawrence said the young Wellington team would make it hard as they can for third-placed Sydney.
The Chiefs Manawa overcame a slow start to kick off their Super Rugby Aupiki title defence with a 53-21 win over the Hurricanes Poua in Levin.