ELOISE BLACKWELL

Position
Lock

Blues debut
2021 v Chiefs

Blues caps
12

Born
28/12/1990

Province
Auckland

When ‘Ella’ isn’t playing rugby, you will find her on the sidelines coaching the next generation of Black Ferns through her passion of coaching school rugby at Epsom Girls’ Grammar.   

Ella’s leadership and mentorship is a valued part of our nib Blues team, bringing her experience of leading the Auckland Storm and the Black Ferns captaincy in 2020.   

She grew up on Great Barrier Island and has managed to play 46 games for the Black Ferns, putting her in the top five of the all-time appearance list.   

2023 saw Blackwell’s captaincy credentials come to the fore once again, leading the Auckland Storm to their 16th title and breaking an eight year drought in the FPC.   

Her leadership and rugby knowledge were invaluable for the nib Blues in their 2024 championship win. Ella played every game in the Aupiki campaign, providing the grunt and go-forward in the middle of the forward pack.  

She comes into the 2025 Sky Super Rugby Aupiki season having played over 150 First Class games and few would bet against her adding to that impressive tally as the nib look to defend their title.