Nine new signings bolster an experienced core of players for the nib Blues Women’s Super Rugby Aupiki squad in 2025.

As previously announced, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe is a stand-out new face joining the nib Blues squad this season with Head Coach Willie Walker confident he’s got the right balance of youth and experience to win the championship in 2025.

“I think we’ve recruited well,” said Walker.

“The additions we’ve made will only add to a strong returning group of players from last season. I’m proud of the way we’ve been able to retain a lot of our squad, it makes me think we’ve got the culture and vibe right if players want to come back and play for us,” he said.

There is no shortage of homegrown talent in this season’s squad with 22 of the 30 players coming from within the Blues region (4 x Northland, 1 x North Harbour, 17 x Auckland) while just over two-thirds of the squad are under the age of 25.

Walker said it’s exciting to see the young talent coming through the rugby system.

“Some of these girls have been playing since they’re four or five years old. Rugby is viewed as a genuine career option for them and they can see the pathway to professionalism and the opportunities in the game these days,” said Walker.

The nib Blues youngsters can lean on the experience of several Super Rugby Aupiki foundation players, as well as over 300 international caps within the 2025 squad.

“Our young players get to play and learn alongside people they’ve admired and looked up to which is great for their development,” said Walker.

“As well as experienced current players for the youngsters to feed off, it’s been great to add Charmaine McMenamin to our coaching group as someone with recent and relevant playing experience. I’m looking forward to working with her and the different perspective she will bring.”

Walker said the challenge for the nib Blues is to gel together as a squad, parking any thoughts of last season’s success.

 “We need to innovate, stay ahead of the game and give ourselves an opportunity to win another title.”

nib Blues squad 2025

Forwards:

Chryss Viliko, Aldora Itunu, Sophie Fisher, Cheyenne Tuli-Fale, Harono Te Iringa*, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu*, Atlanta Lolohea*, Oceane Donelley*, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Eloise Blackwell, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Elizabith Moimoi, Lemalu Dajian Brown, Paris Mataroa, Holly Greenway*, Lily Murray-Wihongi* 

Backs:

Kahlia Awa, Tara-Leigh Turner, Ruahei Demant, Krysten Cottrell, Sylvia Brunt, Daynah Nankivell, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe*, Patricia Maliepo, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Jaymie Kolose, Kerri Johnson, Braxton Sorensen-McGee*, Danii Mafoe*

*denotes rookie nib Blues squad member