All four teams have named strong groups of returning players providing continuity from the 2025 season. Alongside that stability, 33 debutants are set to experience Super Rugby Aupiki for the first time, while off‑season club moves introduce new combinations and fresh match‑ups across the competition.
Defending champions the nib Blues return in 2026 after securing back-to-back Super Rugby Aupiki titles (2024, 2025), finishing top of the table last season with five wins from six matches. The recently re-signed Braxton Sorensen-McGee returns alongside nine current Black Ferns. With six new players, including North Harbour first five-eighth Ella Henderson and Amarante Sititi adding fresh intrigue as the title holders prepare another strong campaign.
Chiefs Manawa enter 2026 as consistent Aupiki contenders, including two Grand Final appearances across the competition’s first three seasons. With an exciting mix of international experience in the squad, Black Ferns Sevens players Justine McGregor and Manaia Nuku are joined by the return of Canadian international Shoshannah Seumanutafa and new signing Wallaroos first five-eighth Carys Dallinger.
Hurricanes Poua strengthen for 2026 with the arrival of Renee Holmes, who brings experience to the team with 29 Black Ferns Test caps and 199 international points. Entering her fifth Super Rugby Aupiki season, Holmes is joined by the return of Black Ferns wing Ayesha Leti’Iga, providing stability and leadership.
Matatū carry strong finals pedigree after finishing runners-up in 2025, with four regular season wins. Making the shift from netball court to rugby field, Super Rugby Aupiki Paris Lokotui adds fresh depth alongside New Zealand Under 18 Sevens representative Poppy Baxter, while a strong contingent of Black Ferns brings experience into the squad.
New Zealand Rugby Head of Women’s High Performance Hannah Porter said the mix of returning players and new talent was a positive sign for the competition.
“It’s really great to see so many players coming back and committing to their teams for another season, while also seeing a strong group stepping into Super Rugby Aupiki for the first time including nine Black Ferns Sevens players. That balance keeps the competition moving forward and creates plenty of excitement heading into June.”
Super Rugby Aupiki gets underway in June 2026, with all matches available live and on demand on Sky Sport. Tickets to Super Rugby Aupiki's All In Round are now available here, grab your tickets and catch all four Aupiki teams in action on Saturday 27th June 2026.
nib Blues
Mele Taufa Bason, Eloise Blackwell, Dajian Brown, Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai'i Sylvia Brunt, Ruahei Demant, Zara Feaunati*, Danny-Elle Alefosio Fesolai*, Grace Leaso Gago Tiatia, Ella Henderson*, Aldora Itunu, Jaymie Kolose, Tafito Lafaele, Atlanta Lolohea, Danii Mafoe, Hollyrae Mete-Renata, Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, Nijiho Nagata, Sariyah Paitai*, Mererangi Paul, Ffion Penney*, Cilia-Marie Po’e-Tofaeono, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Amarante Sititi*, Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Harono Te Iringa, Cheyenne Tuli-Fale, Tara Turner, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, Chryss Viliko
Chiefs Manawa
Mia Anderson, Reese Anderson, Ariana Bayler, Jade Coates, Carys Dallinger*, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Tynealle Fitzgerald, Vici-Rose Green, Chyna Hohepa, Olivia Holten*, Lela Ieremia*, Chyann Kaitapu*, Leomie Kloppers*, Leata Puni Lio, Justine McGregor*, Levonah Motuliki*, Amber Mundell*, Kaea Nepia, Lonita Ngalu-Lavemei*, Kiriana Nolan, Manaia Nuku*, Holli O'Sullivan, Nicole Purdom*, Shoshanah Seumanutafa, Presayus Singh*, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Kennedy Tukuafu, Shyrah Tuliau-Tua'a*
Two players to be added
Hurricanes Poua
Neve Anglesey*, Keelah Bodle, Wikitoria Doyle*, Faythe Finau*, TeRauoriwa Gapper, Leilani Hakiwai, Anahera Hamahona*, Iritana Hohaia, Renee Holmes, Tegan Hollows, Fia Laikong, Arene Landon-Lane, Ayesha Leti-I'iga, Paige Lush, Molly Scuffil McCabe, Greer Muir, Angel Mulu, Krystal Murray, Lily Murray Wihongi, Stacey Niao, Mo’omo’oga Ona Palu, Kokako Raki*, Hinemaringi Scott*, Keira Sua Smith, Rangimarie Sturmey, Ngano Tavake, Sam Taylor, Jordyn Tihore*, Valini Vaka*, Brianna Wallace*
Matatū
Laura Bayfield, Poppy Baxter*, Chelsea Bremner, Grace Brooker, Maia Davis*, Natalie Delamere, Emma Dermody, Eilis Doyle, Amy du Plessis, Holly Greenway, Jett Hayward, Lucy Jenkins, Sarah Jones, Maia Joseph, Elinor-Plum King, Hannah King, Paris Lokotui*, Pip Love, Kelsyn McCook, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Winnie Palamo, Marcelle Parkes, Abigail Paton, Maddison Robinson, Wikitoria Rogers*, Alena Saili*, Fiaali'i Solomona, Naomi Sopoaga, Santo Taumata, Charlotte Va'afusuaga
*Denotes Super Rugby Aupiki debutant
Key facts:
- Super Rugby Aupiki enters its fifth season, kicking off on 23 June 2026
- 118 players named across all four Super Rugby Aupiki teams
- 33 debut players named across all four Super Rugby Aupiki teams, Blues (6), Hurricanes - Poua (9), Matatū (5), Chiefs Manawa (13)
- 21 current Capped Black Ferns Blues (9), Poua (2), Matatū (6), Chiefs Manawa (4)
- Nine Black Ferns Sevens players, Blues (4), Poua (1), Matatū (2), Chiefs Manawa (2)
- Four international players, Nijiho Nagata (Blues, Japan), Molly Scuffil McCabe (Hurricanes Poua, Ireland), Jade Coates (Chiefs Manawa, Fiji), Shoshannah Seumanutafa (Chiefs Manawa, Canada)
