The Hurricanes Poua have confirmed the final three players to join their ranks ahead of the 2023 SKY Super Rugby Aupiki competition.
Manawatū front rower, Sosoli Talawadua, Black Ferns Sevens, Shakira Baker and Kiwi Fern, Autumn-Rain Stephens-Daly have put pen-to-paper, which will see them head to the Captial ahead of the Hurricanes Poua opening round on February 25.
Hurricanes Poua Head Coach Victoria Grant said she was thrilled to welcome three experienced players into the squad.
“It's a good feeling, to get those final players locked in and to know we are one step closer to kicking off Super Rugby Aupiki,” said Grant.
Autumn-Rain Stephens-Daly makes a welcome return to rugby after switching to rugby league in 2020 and making her Kiwi Ferns debut against Fetu Samoa.
Joining NRLW club Newcastle Knights ahead of the delayed 2021 premiership Stephens-Daly impressed, covering several positions and playing eight of the Knights’ 12 games during the two NRLW competitions in 2022.
Rotorua-born Stephens-Daly represented the Māori All Stars at the start of the year, scoring both of Māori All Stars’ tries in their 18-8 loss to Indigenous All Stars in the 2022 pre-season.
On her return to rugby and joining the Poua, Stephens-Daly said she was excited at the opportunity.
“I wasn't planning on getting into Super Rugby so soon, but when Tors [Victoria Grant] called, I jumped at the opportunity.
“It’s special in that my dad’s family come from the Hurricanes area, so I’m excited to get into the yellow jersey. I know I am going to be around some amazing players, and the opportunity to learn from Tors [Victoria Grant] is something I’m really excited about,” said Stephens-Daly.
Grant said: “Autumn has just come off the back of a great year of league with the Newcastle Knights, who won the NRLW, and Rugby League World Cup as part of the Kiwi Ferns squad.
“She’s an elusive outside back with great agility and speed. She is an amazing finisher, so we’re pleased to have her join the side,” said Grant.
2017 World Cup winning Black Fern, Sosoli Talawadua links up with the Poua off the back of a Farah Palmer Cup campaign with the Manawatū Cyclones.
After making her maiden international appearance in 2016, Talawadua was selected for the 2017 Rugby World Cup squad. Hailing from Whanganui, she is currently Whanganui Rugby’s women's and secondary school rugby development officer.
“Sos [Sosoli] has recently returned to playing after the birth of her second child. She’s a great asset to the team, covering all three front row positions, and she’s been working hard over the last couple of months. She has most certainly earnt her position in this squad,” said Grant.
14 years after her Farah Palmer Cup Debut for Wellington, Shakira Baker makes a return to the Capital.
Since debuting for the Black Ferns Sevens in 2011, the former maths teacher quickly established herself as one of the premier sevens players in the world, combining her sevens and 15s experience on the international stage for the past 12 years.
Baker’s physical dominance coupled with her experience as an established member of the Black Ferns Sevens squad makes her powerful on the field and invaluable in pressure situations, according to Grant.
“We know she [Baker] will add experience, professionalism, power and skillset into our squad.
“Shakira is an amazing rugby player that not many people want to tackle, and I know this from experience,” said Grant.