The nib Blues have announced a squad packed with proven performers and talented tyros for the inaugural Super Rugby Aupiki competition. The 26-strong squad was announced today that includes 12 current or recent Black Ferns and seven players aged 20 years and younger.

Fifteen players were part of the historic match against the Chiefs earlier this year, which provided an inkling of what the competition could bring and the bridge if can provide from FPC level to the international game.

“This competition is going to be huge for women’s rugby,” said Auckland’s Eloise Blakewell, the current Black Ferns vice-captain on their Northern Tour. “You only saw a glimpse of that with the Blues against the Chiefs. Add to that the Hurricanes and the southern team Matatu, who are two sides with some really great players,” said Blackwell.

“This is an important stepping stone above FPC that will lead to the international level, especially next year heading in to the Rugby World Cup here at home. It’s a short, sharp competition but an important step-up, and I am sure it will grow in time to a fully professional and exciting competition.

“It is such a huge opportunity to have players both young and experienced getting exposure at a higher level.”

The nib Blues will be anchored by a powerful pack, that includes seven current Black Ferns comprising Blackwell, front-rowers Aldora Ituna, Aleisha-Pearl Nelson, Krystal Murray and Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate, lock Maiakawanakaulani Roos and loose forward Liana Mikaele-Tu’u.

The forwards include others with Black Ferns experience in loose forwards Aroha Savage and Ilisapeta Molia, while the backs will be steered by current New Zealand northern tour players Ruahei Demant and Patricia Maliepo, the first ever try scorer for the women’s competition.

There is excitement with the inclusion of some super talented youngsters led by halfback Luisa Togotogorua, speedy winger Princess Elliot and the team’s youngest, in electric 17-year-old midfielder, Sylvia Brunt.

All but three players are from the Blues region, with the addition of two highly experienced players from Canterbury in halfback Melanie Puckett and hooker Rebecca Todd as well as an exciting former NZ Under-18 representative fullback Kaylin Takitimu-Cook from Bay of Plenty.

Walker said he and his fellow coaches are delighted with the mix in the squad.

“We have got some proven internationals, especially upfront, who will provide the platform for us to develop front-foot ball,” he said.

“We have a big pack with some aggressive, hard-running ball-carriers in the open. There is also a bunch of very exciting young players who will get the opportunity to develop and show-off their skills on this stage.

“Our experienced players will have the added responsibility to help develop the young ones to what it means to play in a professional competition.”

The nib Blues will be guided by head coach Willie Walker, the current Auckland Storm coach who coached the nib Blues in the historic match against the Chiefs earlier this year which has been a catalyst for the competition. Walker will be supported by Tasman FPC coach Mel Bosman, a two-time Rugby World Cup winner with the Black Ferns, and winning Waikato FPC coach and former NPC player, James Semple.

The squad assemble for the mandatory four-week preparations in February ahead of the three-game competition in March.

 The nib Blues are:

Props:

Aldora Itunu (Auckland), Aleisha-Pearl Nelson (Northland), Chryss Viliko (Auckland), Krystal Murray (Northland). 

Hooker:

Cristo Tofa (Auckland), Rebecca Todd (Canterbury), Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate (Counties Manukau).

Locks:

Eloise Blackwell (Auckland), Maiakawanakaulani Roos (Auckland), Tafito Lafaele (Auckland), Vineta Teutau (Auckland).

Loose forwards:

Aroha Savage (Auckland), Ilisapeta Molia (Auckland), Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (Auckland), Tenaija Fletcher (North Harbour).

Halfback:

Luisa Togotogorua (Auckland), Melanie Puckett (Canterbury).

Inside backs:

Patricia Maliepo (Auckland), Ruahei Demant (Auckland), Sylvia Brunt (Auckland), Theresa Fitzpatrick (Auckland), Mele Hufanga (Auckland).

Outside backs:

Kalyn Takitimu-Cook (Auckland), Natahlia Moors (Auckland), Princess Elliot (Auckland), Sam Curtis (Auckland).