Several injuries have caused changes to the 2026 Chiefs Manawa squad as they assemble this week for pre-season training.

Black Fern Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, who today announced her decision to retire from international rugby will not be playing in Super Rugby Aupiki. Her talent, experience and work ethic is a valuable asset to Chiefs Manawa and she will be continuing to support the team in a mentorship capacity throughout the season.  

“While it’s really tough that Awhi won’t be able to take the field this season, the value she brings to Chiefs Manawa is still huge. Her experience, standards and presence in our environment will be invaluable for the group, and we are really pleased she’ll remain with us throughout the 2026 season to help guide and support our players” 
Dwayne Sweeney, Head Coach, Chiefs Manawa. 

The Chiefs Manawa will have additional support in the shape of Te Urupounamu McGarvey – the 23 year old, Bay of Plenty forward, made 5 appearances for the Chiefs Manawa in 2023 & 2024.  

Exciting fullback Kaea Nepia, niece of Chiefs legend Liam Messam, has also been ruled out for what will likely be the full season of Super Rugby Aupiki. Louise Blyde – cousin of Michaela Blyde – has been brought in for cover. The Taranaki born Outside Back, scored 10 tries for Canterbury in the 2025 season and will make a strong addition to the team.  

Madison Flutey & Jessie Wharekura will round out the complete squad. Flutey, having played 3 games for the Exeter Chiefs in 2025, returns to NZ and adds to the international experience already embedded in the  team. Wharekura, a Bay of Plenty local shows continued promise after several seasons as Lock for the BOP Volcanix.  

With Manaia Nuku and Justine McGregor with the Black Ferns 7s for an additional period the team will have temporary support from experienced Waikato local Huia Harding.  

With the complete Chiefs Manawa squad locked in the team’s connection to Chiefs Country has only grown st ronger with 6 provinciaul unions having representation within the squad.  

Chiefs Manawa Squad 2026

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

Props

• Amber Mundell*
• Te Urupounamu McGarvey (5)
• Chyann Kaitapu*
• Lonita Ngalu*
• Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (6)

Hookers

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

Locks

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

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*
• Louise Blyde*

Midfield

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

Outside Backs

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

Replacement Cover: Huia Harding

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.