Exciting 2025 ahead for Sky Super Rugby Aupiki at FMG Stadium Waikato as Chiefs Manawa team is named for 2025 campaign.
Chiefs Manawa welcome many superstars to their squad for the 2025 Sky Super Rugby Aupiki competition.
Returning to the Hamilton-based side is four-time world champion Kelly Brazier and fellow Black Fern Sevens standout and NRLW finalist Tenika Willison. Meanwhile, powerhouse prop Santo Taumata makes her much-anticipated return from injury.
Chiefs Manawa head coach Dwayne Sweeney said: “Kelly, Tenika and Santo were all exceptional for Chiefs Manawa in previous seasons, so we are excited to have them back in Chiefs colours. They will add to the depth and experience within our squad but also bring some healthy competition that will have everyone working hard for those starting roles.
“I don’t want to be biased, but Waikato were immense during FPC this season and earned their title. We have selected several of our rookies from within that team as across the competition; we feel they were the best of that next generation of players. We look forward to seeing them perform at Super Rugby level.”
Logan Hauraki and Veisinia Mahutariki Fakalelu are two of those exciting rookies who impressed with Waikato this season. Fellow teammate Kiriana Nolan also earns a full-time spot in the squad after making her Chiefs Manawa debut earlier this year as an injury replacement.
Further experience will be added with utility back Rosie Kelly transferring from Matatū and Fiji and Waikato lock Jade Coates joining Chiefs Manawa after three seasons with the Fijian Drua in Super W.
Another international addition is Canada’s Shoshanah Seumanutafa, who was part of the 2024 Chiefs Manawa wider squad. She impressed with Counties Manukau in FPC this year before returning to Canada to represent her country in the WXV1 tournament, where she was part of the team that defeated the Black Ferns 22-19.
With only three new players being brought into the environment alongside returnees, Dwayne Sweeney has mustered a cohesive unit for the season who are familiar with the club’s electric brand of rugby.
The Sky Super Rugby Aupiki season will kick off on 1 March, with the draw to be confirmed soon. A further three players will be named in the squad at a later date.
2025 Chiefs Manawa Squad:
Ariana Bayler
Azalleyah Maaka
Charmaine Smith
Chyna Hohepa
Grace Houpapa-Barrett
Grace Kukutai
Hazel Tubic
Jade Coates*
Kate Henwood
Kelly Brazier
Kennedy Tukuafu (nee Simon)
Kiriana Nolan
Krystal Murray
Logan Hauraki*
Luka Connor
Mererangi Paul
Mia Anderson
Reese Anderson
Renee Holmes
Rosie Kelly
Ruby Tui
Santo Taumata
Shoshanah Seumanutafa*
Tanya Kalounivale
Tenika Willison
Veisinia Mahutariki Fakalelu*
Vici-Rose Green
*denotes rookie
