News

Counties Manukau Heat players Anastasia Mamea and Harono Te Iringa have picked up Super W contracts for 2024 across the Tasman.

Mamea has linked with the Melbourne Rebels while Te Iringa will play for the Western Force when the new season kicks off in mid-March.

Meanwhile, five players from the Heat and Heat Development squads have been confirmed as playing for Penina Pasifika that will play some of the Super W sides in pre-season matches.

Glory Aiono, Jacqui Aiono, Vineta Teutau, Lulu Leuta and Shonte To’a have all been selected.

Counties Manukau Rugby analyst Leaha Dickey will also work with the team.

“It’s exciting to see the continued growth of the women’s professional game here in New Zealand and now Australia, where a number of Counties Manukau players have been offered contracts to compete in the Super W,” said Counties Manukau Rugby Women’s High Performance & Pathways Manager Peter Shaw.

“The Farah Palmer Cup continues to be the shop window for talent identification into professional rugby and our ladies are finding more and more opportunities through playing well domestically and the work we are doing behind the scenes to build relationships with international clubs and competitions. 

“All the best to all of our wahine who are flying the Counties Manukau flag in Super W 2024.”

Counties Manukau Rugby Community Rugby Champion Ti Tauasosi was delighted five local athletes were getting the chance to represent that Penina Pasifika team.

“It’s an exciting opportunity for our Pacific Internationals to be involved in an elite women’s rugby competition like this,” said Tauasosi.

“It’s great to see more women from our region on a pathway to further their talents with the opportunity to play with and against other world class athletes.”