Chiefs Manawa have named a squad built for the next stage of the club’s growth, bringing together proven leaders, homegrown talent and exciting new additions ahead of the 2026 Super Rugby Aupiki campaign.

The group arrives with clear intent: raise standards, put in the mahi, and keep driving the club forward. The squad will assemble on 11 May before opening the season against Matatū on Saturday 13 June.

Proven Experience

The returning core gives Chiefs Manawa a powerful platform. Kennedy Tukuafu remains one of the group’s key leaders being reinstated as captain, with the Black Ferns World Cup winner again recognised in 2025 for embodying Chiefs Mana and for the impact she has across the environment. Around her, Vici-Rose Green continues her rise after Black Ferns XV selection, Mia Anderson brings athleticism and pedigree, and Chyna Hohepa adds a wealth of experience and proven leadership from years at the heart of Waikato rugby.

There is quality and character across the park, with seven Black Ferns named. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu’s long-term commitment is another major boost. After first arriving as one of the exciting Waikato rookies to earn a full-time Chiefs Manawa opportunity, Veisinia went on to claim both Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year at the 2025 Chiefs Manawa awards. Her work ethic, resilience and impact made her an instant fan favourite and underline just how much momentum she carries into 2026.

Ariana Bayler brings composure and toughness at halfback after a career defined by persistence, Jade Coates adds steel after three seasons with the Fijian Drua in Super W, and Shoshanah Seumanutafa offers international edge after representing Canada in the final of the Womens World Cup against the Red Roses in 2025.

New faces add even more spark

The team is bolstered by a number of new faces – recently announced signing Carys Dallinger brings international experience as she returns home to Chiefs Country from several years with the Reds.

Manaia Nuku brings enthusiasm and international quality into the environment, with the local Hamilton connection matched by genuine world-stage experience through the Black Ferns Sevens and Olympic gold in Paris.

The outside backs have a completely fresh look with exciting newcomer Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a signed with the team – one of few NZ women to be named in the Black Ferns without any prior Aupiki experience. In addition she’s joined by Black Ferns Sevens and now Black Ferns call-up Justine McGregor. Both players promising to have fans on the edge of their seats throught the Aupiki season.

Homegrown Talent

Kaea Nepia also arrives with real promise after impressing for Matatū at fullback, including a two-try performance that showed the attacking threat she can bring in Chiefs Manawa colours. As the niece of Chiefs legends Liam Messam, her natural talent is an exciting watch for fans.

With a forward pack almost completely made up of powerful women from within the Chiefs region the side is stacked with local talent.

With Luka Connor unavailable through injury and two squad spots still to be confirmed in the coming weeks, there is more to come from this group. What is already clear is that Chiefs Manawa have assembled a squad ready to work, compete and represent Chiefs Country with pride in 2026.

Chiefs Manawa Squad 2026

 * Denotes debut, () denotes number of Chiefs Manawa caps

Props

• Amber Mundell*
• Awhina Tangen-Wainohi (4)
• Chyann Kaitapu*
• Lonita Ngelu*
• Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (6)

Hookers

• Nicole Purdom*
• Vici-Rose Green (11)

Locks

• Jade Coates (6)
• Leomie Kloppers*
• Olivia Holten*
• Leata Puni Lio (3)

Loosies

• Kennedy Tukuafu [Captain] (22)
• Mia Anderson (15)
• Tynealle Fitzgerald (8)
• Chyna Hohepa (15)

Halfbacks

• Ariana Bayler (17)
• Holli O’Sullivan (5)
• Reese Anderson (7)

Inside Backs

• Carys Dallinger*
• Kaea Nepia*

Midfield

• Kiriana Nolan (7)
• Shoshanah Seumanutafa (4)
• Levonah Motuliki*

Outside Backs

• Justine McGregor*
• Lele Ieremia*
• Manaia Nuku*
• Presayus Singh*
• Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a*

Coaching Group

• Dwayne Sweeney – Head Coach
• Carla Hohepa – Assistant Coach
• Kelly Brazier – Assistant Coach
• Nathan White – Assistant Coach

Chiefs Manawa 2026 fixtures

Round One – Sat 13 Jun, 4:05pm

Matatū vs Chiefs Manawa, One NZ Stadium, Christchurch

Round Two – Sat 20 Jun, 2:05pm

Chiefs Manawa vs Blues, Fred Jones Park, Hamilton

Round Three (Super rugby aupiki ALL IN) – Sat 27 Jun, 5:05pm

Chiefs Manawa vs Hurricanes Poua, Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe

Round Four – Sat 4 Jul, 12:35pm

Chiefs Manawa vs Matatū, Fred Jones Park, Hamilton

Round Five – Fri 10 Jul, 4:35pm

Blues vs Chiefs Manawa, Semenoff Stadium, Whangārei

Round Six – Sat 18 Jul, 12:35pm

Hurricanes Poua vs Chiefs Manawa, Maidstone Park, Upper Hutt

Super Rugby Aupiki Final – Sat 25 Jul, Kick‑off TBC

Rank 1 vs Rank 2, Venue TBC

Super Rugby Trans‑Tasman Champions Final – Sat 1 Aug, Kick‑off TBC

Super Rugby Aupiki Winner vs Super W Winner – Australian venue

How to watch: Every round of Super Rugby Aupiki, plus the Grand Final and the Trans‑Tasman Champions Final, will be broadcast live on Sky.