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Trio of returning stars headline 2025 Chiefs Manawa squad

By Ned Lester

51 days ago

Rosie Kelly of the Black Ferns. Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)

Three familiar faces will be back in action for the Chiefs Manawa in 2025 as the team looks to go one better than their consecutive second-place finishes.

While Black Ferns prop Santo Taumata is set to return from injury, fellow Black Fern and world champion Kelly Brazier comes into the side along with Olympic gold medallist Tenika Willison

The region is celebrating its recent FPC win, something head coach Dwayne Sweeney hopes will ignite a winning edge in his squad.

“Kelly, Tenika and Santo were all exceptional for Chiefs Manawa in previous seasons, so we are excited to have them back in Chiefs colours. They will add to the depth and experience within our squad but also bring some healthy competition that will have everyone working hard for those starting roles.

“I don’t want to be biased, but Waikato were immense during FPC this season and earned their title. We have selected several of our rookies from within that team as across the competition; we feel they were the best of that next generation of players. We look forward to seeing them perform at Super Rugby level.”

Another cross-code star Rosie Kelly also joins the Hamilton club, while Canada’s Shoshanah Seumanutafa and Fiji’s Jade Coates add even more international experience.

“I’m super excited for the opportunity to join Chiefs Manawa for the upcoming season,” Kelly said upon signing last week.

“I look forward to embracing the team culture, creating new connections and growing as a player both on and off the field. Super Rugby Aupiki is growing every year and I can’t wait for the 2025 season to begin.”

2025 Chiefs Manawa Squad:
Ariana Bayler
Azalleyah Maaka
Charmaine Smith
Chyna Hohepa
Grace Houpapa-Barrett
Grace Kukutai
Hazel Tubic
Jade Coates*
Kate Henwood
Kelly Brazier
Kennedy Tukuafu (nee Simon)
Kiriana Nolan
Krystal Murray
Logan Hauraki*
Luka Connor
Mererangi Paul
Mia Anderson
Reese Anderson
Renee Holmes
Rosie Kelly
Ruby Tui
Santo Taumata
Shoshanah Seumanutafa*
Tanya Kalounivale
Tenika Willison
Veisinia Mahutariki Fakalelu*
Vici-Rose Green

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Comments on RugbyPass

Barry 1 hour ago

'Springbok Galacticos can't go it alone for trophy-hunting Sharks'

Always has elevated the profile of African rugby?

They didn't do much for the games profile from 1981 - 1992. Not in a positive sense at least.

5 Go to comments

Bull Shark 1 hour ago

'Tom has the potential to be better than a British and Irish Lion'

What does “better than a British Lion” mean?

As good as a springbok?

6 Go to comments

Hellhound 2 hours ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

On this I agree with you. There were many great teams and many different eras of rugby with very different rule sets. It's actually impossible to declare one team or player as the best ever. However, this is definitely the best SA team SA has ever had. All the accolades speaks for itself.

129 Go to comments

Hellhound 2 hours ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

All you can do is hate on SA. Jealousy makes you nasty and it's never a good look. Those who actually knows rugby is all talking about the depth and standards of the SA players. They don't wear blinders like you. The NH had many years to build the depth and players for multiple competition the SA teams didn't. There will be growing pains. Not least travel issues. The NH teams barely have to travel to play an opponent opposed to the SA teams. That is just one issue. There is many more issues, hence the "growing pains". The CC isn't yet a priority and this is what most people have a problem with. Saying SA is disrespecting that competition which isn't true. SA don't have the funds yet to go big and get the players needed for 3 competitions. It all costs a lot of money. It's over using players and get them injured or prioritising what they can deliver with what are available. To qualify for CC, they need to perform well in the URC, so that is where the main priorities is currently. In time that will change with sponsors coming in fast. They are at a distinct disadvantage currently compared to the rest. Be happy about that, because they already are the best international team. You would have hated it if they kept winning the club competitions like the URC and CC every year too. Don't be such a sourmouth loser. See the complete picture and judge accordingly. There is many factors you aren't even aware of at play that you completely ignore just to sound relevant. Instead of being an positive influence and spread the game and help it grow, we have to read nonsense like this from haters. Just grow up and stop hating on the game. Go watch soccer or something that loves people like you.

129 Go to comments

Barry 2 hours ago

URC chief executive addresses potential Premiership merger

The RFU won't go for it especially now they've enhanced hybrid contracts and some control over their international players.

2 Go to comments

Barry 5 hours ago

Warren Gatland finds out his fate as Wales undergo huge changes

Exactly. They haven't learnt. Their regions and U20s are also whipping boys which is the bigger concern. Nothing coming through.

They maxed out the credit cards to keep their golden generation of players at home. It's now destroyed the game at every level in Wales.

10 Go to comments

Barry 5 hours ago

Warren Gatland finds out his fate as Wales undergo huge changes

Nor can the same coach turn it around. That's been proven across the last year. It will be years before they are even competitive again. It's a 5 year + job. No way Gatland will be around for that.

Italy's nadir was around ten years ago and even they were better equipped with their regions, U20s and senior squad and management. Wales have further to fall.

10 Go to comments

Barry 5 hours ago

Warren Gatland finds out his fate as Wales undergo huge changes

If they're happy at losing 12 on the bounce, get a regional coach who would be as bad but cost about a sixth in salary.

10 Go to comments

dw 6 hours ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

I'm no expert but I've never seen nz or even aus as doing much for those nations? Both have benefited from their countries players playing for us! I see most of the top nations looking after themselves and maybe it's a world rugby issue?

129 Go to comments

richard davies 6 hours ago

Warren Gatland finds out his fate as Wales undergo huge changes

At 600k a year I would think there will be quite a Que. win lose or draw you can blame the small stature of the players and the WRU