MAIAKAWANAKAULANI ROOS

Position
Lock

Blues debut
2021 v Chiefs

nib Blues caps
14

Born
27/07/2001

Province
Auckland

Maiakawanakaulani (Maia) is embarking on her fifth season of Sky Super Rugby Aupiki and has played every game since the nib Blues’ inception.  

A young, rising star from the Auckland region, she played for the Auckland Storm Farah Palmer Cup team as a teenager in 2019.  

The former head girl at Tamaki College wasted no time climbing her way through the ranks, playing for the NZ Barbarians in two games in 2020.  

Maia’s continued strong form led to selection in the Black Ferns for the Northern Tour in 2021, the same year she was also named as the nib Blues Player of the Year.   

Maia was selected as part of the Black Ferns Rugby World Cup squad held in New Zealand, where she was a constant feature in the starting lineup.  

After a stellar Rugby World Cup campaign Maia was recognised with a nomination for World Rugby’s 15’s Break Through Player of the Year.   

In 2023 her star continued to rise and her leadership qualities recognised when she was chosen to Captain the Black Ferns - the youngest Captain in history surpassing Dame Farah Palmer.  

Her leadership credentials were also recognised by the nib Blues, with Roos named as co-captain alongside Ruahei Demant for the 2024 Super Rugby Aupiki season. 

Roos took the responsibility of leadership in her stride for the nib Blues, continuing to be a workhorse in the pack, win her fair share of lineout ball and all while maintaining her trademark smile on her face (most of the time!) 

While still young in years, 23-year-old Ross is already a vastly experienced rugby player who will be looking to drive the team forward in Aupiki’s 2025 edition.