Former nib Blues captain Aroha Savage has signed with the Hurricanes Poua ahead of the 2023 Super Rugby Aupiki competition.   

Savage, a two-time Women’s Rugby World Cup winner, said she was excited to head to the Capital after signing off with the Blues at the end of 2022 Super Rugby Aupiki.  

“Playing for the Poua was a no-brainer,” said Savage. 

 “The culture, the vibe and the style of the Poua’s game aligns with me on many levels. It’s the perfect environment to not only thrive in my game but enjoy it at the same time.” 

“It’s going to be an awesome season. I can’t wait,” said Savage. 

Hurricanes Poua Head Coach, Victoria Grant said that Savage would bring power and precision to the Poua loose forward's mix.  

“Aroha is an experienced campaigner with amazing knowledge of the game. She can dominate contact defensively and be an exciting ball player with an excellent skill set on attack,” said Grant. 

Savage, a 33-test Black Fern, has made her mark as a powerful number 8 with ball in hand.  

She first cracked first-class rugby in 2007 with Auckland at the tender age of 17. She was only 20 when she made her debut for the Black Ferns at the RWC against Australia in 2010, becoming a regular in the side until 2018, chalking up 33 caps.  

Originally with the Auckland Storm, helping them to several provincial titles, Aroha switched to help Counties Manukau to the Farah Palmer Cup title in 2016. She then played in Northland in 2020 and has now played 50 FPC games over her 13-year first-class career.  

Savage, mum of two, is a double international, having also represented the Kiwi Ferns in rugby league. 

Super Rugby Aupiki kicks off Saturday 25 February, with the Hurricanes Poua taking on the Chiefs Manawa in the competition opener at Levin Domain.  

Hurricanes Poua Memberships are now available. Become a foundation member today.