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Blues unveil nine newcomers in 2025 Aupiki squad
By Ned Lester
New Zealand icon Portia Woodman-Wickliffe is one of nine new faces in the Blues’ 2025 Super Rugby Aupiki squad.
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The Black Ferns and Black Ferns Sevens legend is locked in for the Auckland club and will provide invaluable leadership for the young squad, which features a majority of talent under the age of 25.
The Rugby World Cup, Sevens World Cup, Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games gold medallist has as much experience with winning as any player on the planet and so the club will no doubt lean on her expertise as they chase back-to-back Aupiki titles.
“I think we’ve recruited well,” said Head Coach Willie Walker.
“The additions we’ve made will only add to a strong returning group of players from last season. I’m proud of the way we’ve been able to retain a lot of our squad, it makes me think we’ve got the culture and vibe right if players want to come back and play for us,” he said.
Walker also expressed excitement over the team’s homegrown youth, who can benefit from the over 300 caps of international experience amongst the team’s ranks.
“Some of these girls have been playing since they’re four or five years old. Rugby is viewed as a genuine career option for them and they can see the pathway to professionalism and the opportunities in the game these days,” Walker added.
“Our young players get to play and learn alongside people they’ve admired and looked up to which is great for their development.
“As well as experienced current players for the youngsters to feed off, it’s been great to add Charmaine McMenamin to our coaching group as someone with recent and relevant playing experience. I’m looking forward to working with her and the different perspective she will bring.”
With 2024’s title in the bag, Walker challenged his side to push themselves and progress to stay ahead of the field.
“We need to innovate, stay ahead of the game and give ourselves an opportunity to win another title.”
Blues squad 2025
Forwards:
Chryss Viliko, Aldora Itunu, Sophie Fisher, Cheyenne Tuli-Fale, Harono Te Iringa*, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu*, Atlanta Lolohea*, Oceane Donelley*, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Eloise Blackwell, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Elizabith Moimoi, Lemalu Dajian Brown, Paris Mataroa, Holly Greenway*, Lily Murray-Wihongi*
Backs:
Kahlia Awa, Tara-Leigh Turner, Ruahei Demant, Krysten Cottrell, Sylvia Brunt, Daynah Nankivell, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe*, Patricia Maliepo, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Jaymie Kolose, Kerri Johnson, Braxton Sorensen-McGee*, Danii Mafoe*
*denotes rookie nib Blues squad member
