Rugby World Cup winning lock, Joanah Ngan-Woo has recommitted to the Hurricanes, re-signing with the Hurricanes Poua ahead of the 2023 SKY Super Rugby Aupiki competition. 

The 26-year-old Black Fern from Wellington said she is grateful to recommit to the Hurricanes Poua for the second season of Super Rugby Aupiki. 

“Recommitting to the Hurricanes Poua was a no-brainer for me. I had such a good time, on and off the field last season, despite the COVID challenges we had. As a Hurricanes supporter through and through, the opportunity to represent the region once again is a dream.  

“I’m looking forward to jamming some code with this exciting group of women and showcasing some true Hurricanes style of rugby. I think we have an amazing mixture of experience and knowledge with exploding young talent,” said Ngan-Woo. 

Hurricanes Poua Head Coach, Victoria Grant, said she was excited to see Ngan-Woo inject her Black Ferns experience into the Super Rugby Aupiki competition. 

“Joanah played amazingly over the Black Ferns campaign, and I am thrilled to have her level of experience returning to this group.  

“Anyone in club rugby in this region, or even provincial rugby, will know how good Joanah is. She leads from the front. She is a great role model for all our players and the entire Hurricanes region,” said Grant.  

The 26-year-old lock from Wellington was instrumental in the Black Ferns 34-31 upset win over World No. 1 England. 

Ngan-Woo began playing rugby in 2009 at St Catherine's College and was soon promoted to the Oriental Rongotai Football Club seniors while still a schoolgirl. 

After finishing high school, Ngan-Woo’s rugby career flourished, linking up with the Wellington Pride in the Farah Palmer Cup, before making her Black Ferns debut against USA in the Super Series in San Diego in 2019.  

At the same time, she was also busy studying at Victoria University, first completing a Bachelor of Arts in education and social policy, then graduating with a Master of International Relations degree in 2018.  

Ngan-Woo now works at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, a role that she started earlier this year, having previously worked in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet for the National Assessments Bureau. 

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 here.