KAHLIA AWA

Position
Halfback

Blues debut
2024 v Chiefs Manawa

Blues caps
5

Points
5

Born
30/5/2004

Province
Hawkes Bay

Kahlia Awa is a promising halfback returning to the nib Blues for her second season in Super Rugby Aupiki.  

She hails from the Hawkes Bay and has been a standout performer for the Hawkes Bay Tui in their Farah Palmer Cup campaigns. 

At a young age, Awa’s leadership ability was on display with her primary school and Ross Shield Coach, Anthony Easson, telling Te Ao News:  

“For me Kahlia's kind of a bit like Richie McCaw to be honest she's a real leader on the field, mainly due to her actions she never gives up, she's a real hard rugby player, she loves getting in there and taking on the boys but it's also the off-field stuff as well.”  

Awa was recognised as a player with huge potential in 2023 when she was selected in the inaugural Black Ferns XV squad.  

She made a strong contribution to the nib Blues in her first season with the team, learning off the experienced halfbacks while also pushing them for game time as the season progressed. She was ultimately named ‘Rookie of the Year’ at the end of season awards, testament to the contribution she made in her first season. 

Fans will remember her try in the Grand Final at Eden Park, helping the team ride a wave of momentum to victory.  

Awa’s memorable first season in blue culminated in a call-up to the national squad and a first Black Ferns contract. She returns to the nib Blues in 2025 and will no doubt have her eyes on the starting nine jersey as the season kicks off.