Super Rugby Aupiki's squads have been announced for next season, with a number of players set to taste professional rugby for the first time. Here's a look at the rosters:
Blues Women
Daynah Nankivell (L) and Kahlia Awa of the Blues celebrate victory in the Super Rugby Aupiki Final against the Chiefs Manawa at Eden Park. Photo: photosport
Defending champion Blues Women are still stacked with plenty of Black Ferns talent, with coach Willie Walker saying he had been aiming for the right mix of experience and youth.
"I think we've recruited well," Walker said.
"The additions we've made will only add to a strong returning group of players from last season. I'm proud of the way we've been able to retain a lot of our squad, it makes me think we've got the culture and vibe right if players want to come back and play for us," he said.
Chryss Viliko, Aldora Itunu, Sophie Fisher, Cheyenne Tuli-Fale, Harono Te Iringa, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Atlanta Lolohea, Oceane Donelley, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Eloise Blackwell, Maama Mo'onia Vaipulu, Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, Elizabith Moimoi, Lemalu Dajian Brown, Paris Mataroa, Holly Greenway, Lily Murray-Wihongi, Kahlia Awa, Tara-Leigh Turner, Ruahei Demant, Krysten Cottrell, Sylvia Brunt, Daynah Nankivell, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Patricia Maliepo, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Jaymie Kolose, Kerri Johnson, Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Danii Mafoe
Chiefs Manawa
The Chiefs Manawa were too strong for the Hurricanes Poua in Palmerston North. Photo: Photosport
Chiefs Manawa coach Dwayne Sweeney has the advantage of being able to tap into a powerful Waikato side that won this year's FPC title. Kelly Brazier and fellow Black Fern Sevens standout and NRLW finalist Tenika Willison have signed on and prop Santo Taumata makes her much-anticipated return from injury.
"I don't want to be biased, but Waikato were immense during FPC this season and earned their title. We have selected several of our rookies from within that team as across the competition; we feel they were the best of that next generation of players," Sweeney said.
Ariana Bayler, Azalleyah Maaka, Charmaine Smith, Chyna Hohepa, Grace Houpapa-Barrett, Grace Kukutai, Hazel Tubic, Jade Coates, Kate Henwood, Kelly Brazier, Kennedy Tukuafu (nee Simon), Kiriana Nolan, Krystal Murray, Logan Hauraki, Luka Connor, Mererangi Paul, Mia Anderson, Reese Anderson, Renee Holmes, Rosie Kelly, Ruby Tui, Santo Taumata, Shoshanah Seumanutafa, Tanya Kalounivale, Tenika Willison, Veisinia Mahutariki Fakalelu. Vici-Rose Green
Hurricanes Poua
Hurricanes Poua perform a haka during the round two Super Rugby Aupiki match between Hurricanes Poua and Matatu at Sky Stadium on 9 March, 2024 in Wellington, New Zealand. Photo: Getty Images / Hagen Hopkins
Former Black Fern Jackie Patea-Fereti returns to captain the Hurricanes Poua for the third year in a row, however the side has seen quite a bit of turnover since last season. They also have a new head coach with Fusi Feaunati taking the hot seat, he admits they are once again in a bit of a rebuild.
"The Poua are prioritizing connection and growth this year. The focus is on making improvements in our on-field performance and raising expectations around performance culture," he said.
Te Rauoriwa Gapper, Isabella Waterman, Denise Aiolupotea, Forne Burkin, Olioli Mua, Leilani Hakiwai, Teilah Ferguson, Raedeen Blake, Iritana Hohaia, Ngano Taveke, Samantha Taylor, Elinor-Plum King, Layla Sae, Paige Lush, Rangimarie Sturmey, Kahurangi Sturmey, Jayme Nuku, Payton Takimoana, Natalie Delamere, Angel Mulu, Lavinia Lea, Jackie Patea-Fereti, Joanah Ngan-Woo, Shakira Baker, Monica Tagoai, Harmony Kautai, Ayesha Leti-I'iga, Esther Faiaoga-Tilo, Cassie Siataga
Matatū
Hannah King of the Hurricanes Poua. Photo: photosport
Matatū were very disappointing last season after winning the title in 2023, they have lured Black Ferns first five Hannah King south to replace the Manawa-bound Rosie Kelly, but otherwise have a settled squad heading into next year.
Alana Bremner, Abigail Paton, Amy du Plessis, Amy Rule, Charlotte Va'afusuaga, Chelea Bremner, Chey Robins-Reti, Ellis Doyle, Emma Dermody, Fia Laikong, Faiaali'i Solomona, Georgia Ponsonby, Grace Brooker, Hannah King, Hollyrae Mete, Jett Hayward, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Keighley Simpson, Keslyn McCook, Laura Bayfield, Lucy Jenkins, Maia Joseph, Marcelle Parkes, Martha Mataele, Moomooga Palu, Pip Love, Sarah Jones, Tayla Simpson, Tegan Hollows, Winnie Palamo