New Mum returns as part of 2024 nib Blues

 Prop Aldora Itunu is back with the nib Blues as part of the 30-player squad announced today for the upcoming SKY Super Rugby Aupiki season.

The majority of the nib Blues squad is back from the 2023 campaign, while it also features eight new faces and two players who return to the team after several years away - Daynah Nankivell and Aldora Itunu.

 Itunu returns to the side after taking time off to give birth to her first child while Nankivell is back after a stint playing Sevens in Japan.

 Itunu, who comes off the back of a successful Farah Palmer Cup campaign with Auckland, said the chance to return to rugby after giving birth is something she is proud of.

 “It’s special and rewarding to be back into rugby and back with the nib Blues,” said Itunu.“Your body goes through a lot when you’re carrying a little human, but to be able to play again and have my son there watching is a dream come true!”

 “I’m grateful to the Blues for their support in this area, it’s given me a new perspective on life and I’m looking forward to linking up with the girls and getting stuck into this Aupiki campaign.”

 Itunu will have one very familiar face in the nib Blues set up with her sister and Assistant Coach, Linda Itunu, back for her second season in the nib Blues management.

 “I’m excited to work with Linda, she’s a straight shooter and will tell it how it is – I won’t be getting any favours for being family, in fact, it’s probably the opposite.”

 “I also had massive FOMO last season when I saw Census Johnston was taking the scrums. He’s a tighthead prop I’ve looked up to for many years and I’m really looking forward to learning from him and growing my game.”

 nib Blues Head Coach, Willie Walker said having someone like Aldora return from giving birth serves as an inspiration to both her team mates and management alike.

 “These women continue to impress with their commitment and ability to juggle massive life events such as child birth, while still showing a passion and commitment to their rugby – it’s great to have her back in 2024,” said Walker.

Walker has a largely settled group from last season and hopes the new players will hit the ground running.

 “We created a family atmosphere last season and want players to express themselves in our environment. We’ve selected some young, fresh faces with plenty of talent. We feel they’ll fit into the group and enable us to play an exciting brand of rugby.”

 “Having a large chunk of players return from last season should be an advantage. There’s a familiarity between the coaches and the players meaning we can get straight to business when we come together.

The nib Blues squad are currently undertaking self-directed training and will assemble for pre-season in the first week of February 2024.

Forwards: Eloise Blackwell, Dajian Brown, Rebecca Burch, Esther Faiaoga-Tilo, Sophie Fisher, Grace Gago, Aldora Itunu, Paris Mataroa, Charmaine McMenamin, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Elizabith MoiMoi, Alakoka Po’oi, Maddi Robinson, Maiakawanakaulani (Maia) Roos, Cheyenne Tuli-Fale, Maama Vaipulu, Chryss Viliko

Backs: Kahlia Awa, Sylvia Brunt, Krysten Cottrell, Ruahei Demant, Kerri Johnson, Jaymie Kolose, Patricia Maliepo, Angelica Mekemeke Vahai, Daynah Nankivell, Mel Puckett, Tara-Leigh Turner, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Niall Williams-Guthrie

New nib Blues: Elizabith MoiMoi, Maddi Robinson, Rebecca Burch, Paris Mataroa, Kahlia Awa, Niall Williams-Guthrie, Angelica Mekemeke Vahai, Kerri Johnson

Returning nib Blues (didn’t play in 2023): Daynah Nankivell, Aldora Itunu