Maama Vaipulu, a star volleyball player, was a late arrival to the rugby scene. But this player has ‘hops’ making her an exciting young lock to keep an eye on.  It was a breakthrough season in 2022 for Vaipulu who started most games at lock for the Auckland Storm.  She got her first taste of Super Rugby for the Blues in 2023 and was a dominant force in their lineout and was a member of the Farah Palmer Cup-winning Auckland Storm later that same year.

It is of no surprise this youthful lock caught the eyes of selectors after an exceptional Sky Super Rugby Aupiki in 2024, earning her first Black Ferns contract.

In 2025, Vaipulu continued her rapid rise, gaining opportunities at international level and showcasing her strengths in the Black Ferns pack.