Super Rugby Aupiki squads confirmed for 2026
- 18 hours ago
- 3 min read
The Super Rugby Aupiki 2026 squads have been named for the competitions fifth season starting June 23.
In total 118 players are named across the four teams with 33 debut players for the 2026 season - six in the Blues, nine in the Hurricanes Poua, five in Matatū and 13 in Chiefs Manawa.
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The squads also contain 21 current Black Ferns and nine Black Ferns Sevens players.
Defending champions the 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.
Manawa have a 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.”
Blues:
Props: Aldora Itunu, Nijiho Nagata, Cilia-Marie Po'e-Tofaeono, Harono Te Iringa, Cheyenne Tuli-Fale, Chryss Viliko (Auckland).
Hookers: Danny-Elle Alefosio Fesolai, Grace Leaso Gago Tiatia, Atlanta Lolohea.
Locks: Eloise Blackwell, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Maama Mo'onia Vaipulu.
Loose forwards: Mele Taufa Bason, Lemalu Dajian Brown, Zara Feaunati, Tafito Lafaele, Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, Amarante Sititi.
Inside backs: Ffion Penney, Tara Turner, Ruahei Demant, Ella Henderson.
Midfielders: Sylvia Brunt, Hollyrae Mete-Renata.
Outside backs: Jaymie Kolose, Danii Mafoe, Sariyah Paitai, Mererangi Paul, Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Katelyn Vahaakolo.
Chiefs Manawa:
Props: Amber Mundell, Awhina Tangen-Wainohi, Chyann Kaitapu, Lonita Ngelu, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu.
Hookers: Nicole Purdom, Vici-Rose Green.
Locks: Jade Coates, Leomie Kloppers, Olivia Holten, Leata Puni Lio.
Loosies: Kennedy Tukuafu, Mia Anderson, Tynealle Fitzgerald, Chyna Hohepa.
Halfbacks: Ariana Bayler, Holli O'Sullivan, Reese Anderson.
Inside Backs: Carys Dallinger, Kaea Nepia.
Midfield: Kiriana Nolan, Shoshanah Seumanutafa, Levonah Motuliki.
Outside Backs: Justine McGregor, Lele Ieremia, Manaia Nuku, Presayus Singh, Shyrah Tuliau-Tua'a.
Hurricanes Poua:
Props: Faythe Finau, Angel Mulu, Krystal Murray, Mo'omo'oga Ona (Ashley) Palu, Ngano Tavake
Hookers: Tegan Hollows, Valini Vaka
Locks: Stacey Niao, Sam Taylor, Brianna Wallace
Loose Forwards: Neve Angsley, Anahera Hamahona, Greer Muir, Lily Murray Wihongi. Layla Sae*
Utility Forward: Jordyn Tihore
Halfbacks: Paige Lush, Molly Scuffil-McCabe
First-Fives: Te Rauoriwa Gapper, Renee Holmes
Midfielders: Leilani Hakiwai, Kokako Raki, Hinemaringi Scott, Rangimarie Sturmey
Outside Backs: Wikitoria Doyle, Fia Laikong, Arene Landon-Lane, Ayesha Leti-I'iga, Keira Sua Smith, Iritana Hohaia.
Hybrid Player: Keelah Boddle.
Matatū:
Front row: Eilis Doyle, Holly Greenway, Jett Hayward, Maddison Robinson, Marcelle Parkes, Natalie Delamere, Pip Love, Santo Taumata, Wikitoria Rogers.
Locks and loosies: Chelsea Bremner, Elinor-Plum King, Emma Dermody, Fiaali'i Solomona, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Laura Bayfield, Lucy Jenkins, Paris Lokotui, Sarah Jones.
Inside backs: Abigail Paton, Hannah King, Kelsyn McCook, Maia Joseph.
Outside backs: Poppy Baxter, Grace Brooker, Maia Davis, Amy du Plessis, Winnie Palamo, Alena Saili, Naomi Sopoaga, Charlotte Va'afusuaga.
