Mixed bag for Hurricanes Poua as they reveal the squad

10/31/2024 03:17 AM

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: With a mixture of fresh talent, returning experience, and a new head coach at the wheel, Hurricanes Poua are gearing up to take the field for the fourth season of Super Rugby Aupiki.

Poua head coach Fusi Feaunati said the team were going in a new direction this season.

"The Poua are prioritizing connection and growth this year. The focus is on making improvements in our on-field performance and raising expectations around performance culture," said Feaunati.

"We're building a team with an exciting mix of fresh talent and experience, that I believe will be fundamental in growing our performance culture. These women are already performing in FPC and have proven themselves to be hard-working, focussed and ready to excel at a high-performance level."

Wellington native Jackie Patea-Fereti returns to captain the team. A seasoned leader, she is entering her third year as Poua captain, fresh off the back of an incredible Farah Palmer Cup season leading her province to the semifinals.

"It's a huge honour to represent my Aiga in the swirl again," remarked Patea-Fereti.

"This role isn't something I take lightly, and my decision to continue this journey took a lot of reflection and conversations with loved ones. I'm excited about continuing this journey with Fusi [head coach] and the rest of the crew for 2025."

Poua have retained many of their senior players, including five Black Ferns, who are set to line up alongside nine new players and one returning.

Former Black Fern, Natalie Delamere, is the newest addition to the Poua forward pack. The hooker made her Super Rugby Aupiki debut for Matatū, before earning selection in the Black Ferns world cup winning squad in 2022.

Seasoned Manawatū hooker, Jayme Nuku, also joins the line-up, coming back from an international stint playing in Hong Kong and Australia.

Black Ferns props' Esther Faiaoga-Tilo and Angel Mulu, have made the move down to Poua from Blues and Chiefs Manawa respectfully.

Five Super Rugby Aupiki debutants join the crew: Raedeen Blake and former Black Fern Forne Burkin from Hawke's Bay, Lavinia Lea from Wellington, Payton Takimoana from Bay of Plenty and former Manusina Samoa player Cassie Siataga from Tasman.

The Super Rugby Aupiki draw, confirming the playing schedule for the 2025 season, will be released in the coming weeks.

Hurricanes Poua: Denise Aiolupotea, Shakira Baker, Raedeen Blake, Forne Burkin, Natalie Delamere, Esther Faiaoga-Tilo, Teilah Ferguson, Te Rauoriwa Gapper, Leilani Hakiwai, Iritana Hohaia, Harmony Kautai, Elinor-Plum King, Lavinia Lea, Ayesha Leti-I'iga, Paige Lush, Olioli Mua, Angel Mulu, Joanah Ngan-Woo, Jayme Nuku, Jackie Patea-Fereti, Layla Sae, Cassie Siataga, Kahurangi Sturmey, Rangimarie Sturmey, Monica Tagoai, Payton Takimoana, Ngano Tavake, Samantha Taylor, Isabella Waterman
*one player to be added
Coaches: Fusi Feaunati