With a mixture of fresh talent, returning experience, and a new Head Coach at the wheel, Hurricanes Poua are gearing up to take the field for the fourth season of Super Rugby Aupiki. 
 
Poua Head Coach Fusi Feaunati said the team were going in a new direction this season.
 
“The Poua are prioritizing connection and growth this year. The focus is on making improvements in our on-field performance and raising expectations around performance culture.”
 
“We’re building a team with an exciting mix of fresh talent and experience, that I believe will be fundamental in growing our performance culture. These women are already performing in FPC and have proven themselves to be hard working, focussed and ready to excel at high performance level.”
 
Wellington native Jackie Patea-Fereti returns to captain the team. A seasoned leader, she is entering her third year as Poua captain, fresh off the back of an incredible Farah Palmer Cup season leading her province to the semi-finals. 
 
“It’s a huge honour to represent my Aiga in the swirl again,” remarked Patea-Fereti.
 
“This role isn’t something I take lightly, and my decision to continue this journey took a lot of reflection and conversations with loved ones. I’m excited about continuing this journey with Fusi (Head Coach) and the rest of the crew for 2025.”
 
Poua have retained many of their senior players, including five Black Ferns, who are set to line up alongside nine new players and one returning.
 
Former Black Fern, Natalie Delamere, is the newest addition to the Poua forward pack. The hooker made her Super Rugby Aupiki debut for Matatū, before earning selection in the Black Ferns world cup winning squad in 2022.
 
Seasoned Manawatū hooker, Jayme Nuku, also joins the lineup, coming back from an international stint playing in Hong Kong and Australia.
 
Black Ferns props’, Esther Faiaoga-Tilo and Angel Mulu, have made the move down to Poua from Blues and Chiefs Manawa respectfully.
 
Five Super Rugby Aupiki debutants join the crew: Raedeen Blake and former Black Fern Forne Burkin from Hawke’s Bay, Lavinia Lea from Wellington, Payton Takimoana from Bay of Plenty and former Manusina Samoa player Cassie Siataga from Tasman.
 
The Super Rugby Aupiki draw, confirming the playing schedule for the 2025 season, will be released in the coming weeks. 
 
Full Hurricanes Poua Squad for 2025:

Te Rauoriwa Gapper – Canterbury
Isabella Waterman – Canterbury
Denise Aiolupotea – Hawke’s Bay
Forne Burkin – Hawke’s Bay
Olioli Mua – Hawke’s Bay
Leilani Hakiwai – Hawke’s Bay
Teilah Ferguson – Hawke’s Bay
Raedeen Blake – Hawke’s Bay
Iritana Hohaia – Taranaki
Ngano Taveke – Manawatū
Samantha Taylor – Manawatū
Elinor-Plum King – Manawatū
Layla Sae – Manawatū
Paige Lush – Manawatū
Rangimarie Sturmey – Manawatū
Kahurangi Sturmey – Manawatū
Jayme Nuku - Manawatū
Payton Takimoana – Bay of Plenty
Natalie Delamere – Bay of Plenty
Angel Mulu – Bay of Plenty
Lavinia Lea – Wellington
Jackie Patea-Fereti – Wellington
Joanah Ngan Woo – Wellington
Shakira Baker – Wellington
Monica Tagoai – Wellington
Harmony Kautai – Wellington
Ayesha Leti-I’iga – Wellington
Esther Faiaoga-Tilo - Waikato
Cassie Siataga – Tasman
 
Thank you to our departing players: 
 
Tamia Edwards
Rhiarna Ferris
Tori Iosefo
Hannah King
Marilyn Fanoga
Leilani Perese
Cilla-Marie Po'e-Tofaeono
Hollyrae Mete
Rachael Rakatau
Kalyn Takitimu-Cook
Cristo Taufua (nee Tofa)
Te Uarangi Olsen-Baker
Fia Laikong
Kelysn McCook
Traest Mafileo