Black Ferns Sevens stars named for Sky Super Rugby Aupiki R2
Black Ferns Sevens stars set to light up Sky Super Rugby Aupiki
For the first time, Black Ferns Sevens players will feature across all four Sky Super Rugby Aupiki clubs, adding world-class talent and experience while strengthening New Zealand Rugby’s high performance pathway.
The move to a June-August Sky Super Rugby Aupiki competition window has created new opportunities for players to gain valuable game time in the 15-a-side format, allowing players to transition seamlessly between programmes while enhancing depth across the women’s game.
Chiefs Manawa v Blues
Where: FMG Stadium, Hamilton
When: Saturday 20 June, 2:05 pm
Referee: Warwick Lahmert
Chiefs Manawa return home to FMG Stadium Waikato on Saturday looking to rebound from a tough opening-round assignment against Matatū in Christchurch.
Fielding a side featuring 12 debutants, Manawa claimed a four-try bonus point but suffered a 52-26 defeat in front of a record crowd of 11,193 at One New Zealand Stadium last weekend.
There are two new additions to Manawa this weekend. Black Ferns Sevens representative Justine McGregor slots in at centre and Louise Blyde debuts on the wing.
McGregor scored six tries in six matches during her first full Farah Palmer Cup (FPC) season in 2023, while Blyde crossed eight times in 10 games for Canterbury in the 2025 FPC campaign.
Head Coach Dwayne Sweeney: “This week, our focus has been on learning from last week and regaining the confidence we had in pre-season. We have the talent and skills to go all the way, and we’re focused on looking forward.”
Tukuafu again captains the side from openside flanker alongside former premier netballer Olivia Holten and Mia Anderson in the loose forwards, while locks Chyna Hohepa and Jade Coates will look for improvement at set piece time.
Standing in their way are the two-time defending champions.
The Blues opened their campaign with a commanding 42-7 victory over Hurricanes Poua and welcome back Black Ferns Sevens star Katelyn Vahaakolo for her 20th appearance in blue.
Vahaakolo, the competition's leading try-scorer in 2024, joins fellow milestone player Sylvia Brunt, who is also set for her 20th game.
The Blues have been forced into several changes, with Maama Vaipulu suspended, Cilia-Marie Po'e-Tofaeono and Amarante Sititi unavailable through injury. Those absences pave the way for Manusina international Glory Aino to debut at loosehead prop, Eloise Blackwell to start at lock and Tafito Lafaele to earn a promotion to the starting side.
With the teams locked at four wins apiece from eight previous meetings, Saturday's clash presents an opportunity for either side to gain the edge in the growing rivalry.
Highlights Round 1 Sky Super Rugby Aupiki: Matatū v Chiefs Manawa
Chiefs Manawa team to face nib Blues:
- Chyann Kaitapu
- Vici-Rose Green
- Lonita Ngalu
- Jade Coates
- Chyna Hohepa
- Olivia Holten
- Kennedy Tukuafu (captain)
- Mia Anderson
- Ariana Bayler
- Carys Dallinger
- Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a
- Shoshanah Seumanutafa
- Justine McGregor*
- Louise Blyde*
- Presayus Singh
RESERVES:
16. Nicole Purdom, 17. Te Urupounamu McGarvey, 18. Amber Mundell, 19. Leomie Kloppers, 20. Tynealle Fitzgerald, 21. Holli O’Sullivan, 22. Madison Flutey, 23. Lela Ieremia
* denotes debut
nib Blues team to face Chiefs Manawa:
- Glory Aiono*
- Atlanta Lolohea
- Aldora Itunu
- Maiakawanakaulani Roos (c)
- Eloise Blackwell
- Tafito Lafaele
- Taufa Bason
- Liana Mikaele-Tu’u
- Tara Turner
- Ruahei Demant
- Jaymie Kolose
- Sylvia Brunt (20th game)
- Mererangi Paul
- Katelyn Vahaakolo (20th game)
- Braxton Sorensen-McGee
RESERVES:
16. Grace Gago, 17. Nijiho Nagata, 18. Harono Te Iringa, 19. Dajian Brown, 20. Danny-Elle Fesolai, 21. Ffion Penney, 22. Hazel Tubic, 23. Hollyrae Mete-Renata
* denotes debut
Hurricanes Poua v Matatū
When: Sunday 21 June, 2:05 pm
Where: Maidstone Park, Upper Hutt
Referee: Ben Woolerton
Sunday's clash at Maidstone Park pits two sides whose opening-round performances produced vastly different results.
Matatū head to Upper Hutt brimming with confidence after their 52-26 victory over Chiefs Manawa in front of a record home crowd.
The standout performer was Elinor-Plum King, whose hat-trick and 16 tackles earned widespread acclaim.
"It was awesome to play in front of the biggest crowd of my career and perform so well after a great week of prep," Plum King said.
"It was a great start. We played positive, balanced footy. I can't wait to go again against my old team."
Plum-King spent 12 matches with Hurricanes Poua before joining Matatū and now faces her former side for the first time since last season.
Matatū's forward pack remains formidable, with Maddi Robinson, Nat Delamere, Pip Love and Laura Bayfield providing experience and continuity.
Kaipo Olsen-Baker anchors a dynamic loose forward trio alongside Plum-King and Fiaali'i Solomona, while Maia Joseph and Hannah King impressed in the halves during round one.
On the bench, Black Ferns Sevens stars Maia Davis and Alena Saili are poised to make their Sky Super Rugby Aupiki debuts, highlighting the increasingly connected pathway between the two programmes.
For Hurricanes Poua, round two brings significant change.
Coach Hayden Triggs has made eight changes following last week's defeat to the Blues, naming five debutants in the matchday squad.
A fresh front row features debutants Tegan Willocks and Canadian international Brooke Rempel, while co-captain Sam Taylor shifts into lock alongside former New Zealand volleyball representative Stacey Niao.
The reshaped loose forward trio is headlined by Black Ferns Sevens recruit Keelah Bodle, who makes her first start at openside flanker after recently joining the national Sevens programme.
Greer Muir retains the No.8 jersey after making 21 tackles in round one, while Iritana Hohaia moves back to halfback to partner Renee Holmes.
Out wide, Ayesha Leti-I'iga, Keira Su'a Smith and Arene Landon-Lane will look to capitalise on increased opportunities with ball in hand.
Matatū enter the contest as favourites to take a 4-3 lead in the all-time series, but the influx of new talent and Sevens experience across both sides promises another compelling chapter in the evolving Aupiki competition.
Highlights Round 1 Sky Super Rugby Aupiki: Blues v Hurriacanes Poua
Hurricanes Poua team to face Matatū:
- Ngano Tavake
- Tegan Willocks*
- Brooke Rempel*
- Sam Taylor – co-captain
- Stacey Niao
- Anahera Hamahona
- Keelah Bodle*
- Greer Muir
- Iritana Hohaia
- Renee Holmes
- Ayesha Leti-I’iga
- Kokako Raki
- Leilani Hakiwai
- Keira Su’a-Smith
- Arene Landon-Lane
RESERVES:
16. Keiana Roffey, 17. Angel Mulu, 18. Faythe Finau, 19. Brianna Wallace, 20. Lily Murray-Wihongi, 21. Litia Bulicakau*, 22. Te Rauoriwa Gapper – co-captain, 23. Hinemaringi Scott*
*denotes debut
Matatū team to face Hurricanes Poua:
- Maddi Robinson
- Nat Delamere
- Pip Love
- Laura Bayfield (VC)
- Paris Lokotui
- Fiaali’i Solomona
- Elinor-Plum King
- Kaipo Olsen-Baker
- Maia Joseph
- Hannah King
- Binky Muamua
- Grace Brooker (C)
- Amy du Plessis
- Winnie Palamo
- Poppy Baxter
RESERVES:
16. Holly Greenway, 17. Marcelle Parkes, 18. Santo Taumata, 19. Emma Dermody, 20. Sarah Jones, 21. Abigail Paton*, 22. Maia Davis, 23. Alena Saili*
*denotes debut
Black Ferns Sevens players named in Round 2 of Sky Super Rugby Aupiki:
Justine McGregor (Chiefs Manawa), Katelynn Vahaakolo (Blues), Jaymie Kolose (nib Blues), Braxton Sorensen-McGee (nib Blues), Keelah Bodle (Hurricanes Poua), Maia Davis (Matatū) and Alena Saili (Matatū)
