News

Four Counties Power Heat stars have earned Super Rugby Aupiki contracts for 2022 when the women’s Super Rugby competition makes a full-time debut on the rugby calendar.

Three players have aligned with the Chiefs – halfback Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu, first-five Hazel Tubic and lock forward Harono Te Iringa, who all played in the first ever women’s Super Rugby match earlier this year when the Chiefs and Blues met at Eden Park.

Meanwhile Black Ferns hooker Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate has signed with the Blues for the inaugural campaign.

“I am so excited to get this opportunity and to be part of the very first competition is something that will be a real honour,” Marino-Tauhinu said.

“There has been quite a bit of disappointment over the past 12 months or so with COVID decimating our test and domestic programs so it this comes at a really important time.

“Women’s rugby is on the up and I can’t wait to for the season to roll around and to play with the Chiefs.”

Olympic gold medal-winning Sevens star Ruby Tui, who played with the Heat in 2020, has joined the formidable-looking Chiefs outfit as well.

Super Rugby Aupiki features four sides playing across four weekends in March.