YOUNG & FAST – TWO FLYERS SIGN FOR nib BLUES

As the nib Blues women’s squad takes shape for the 2024 Sky Super Rugby Aupiki competition, we wanted to give you a sneak peek this week at a couple of new signings.

Check out the player profiles for two exciting prospects on the wing this season - Kerri Johnson and Angelica Mekemeke Vahai.

The full 30-player nib Blues squad will be released on Monday, November 20.

Kerri Johnson

Johnson is a winger and Northland native, hailing from Kaikohe.

She represented the Northland Kauri in the FPC Championship and was instrumental in their competition victory in the 2023 season.

Last season, Johnson represented the Melbourne Rebels in the Super W after having just one season of rugby experience under her belt.

A 2023 NZ Hearld article read: “Given that Black Fern and NZ Sevens powerhouse Portia Woodman is her aunt, it’s no surprise Johnson has blistering speed, which she also attributes to CrossFit training.”

Johnson joins the nib Blues this season and will be looking to combine her track running background with the skills she’s picked up on the park to be a threat to defences across the country this Super Rugby Aupiki campaign.

Angelica Mekemeke Vahai

Winger Angelica Mekemeke Vahai was a stand-out performer for the victorious Auckland Storm in the 2023 Farah Palmer Cup.

She finished the season as the top try scorer (12) while also topping the run metres chart with 844m clocked for the season.

Her outstanding performances were recognised with selection in the inaugural Black Ferns XV squad where she continued to impress.

 Nicknamed ‘Jelly’, she joins the nib Blues for the first time and will be looking to learn and grow in the company of some of the country’s best backs.