Manaia Nuku is set to make her debut in the Chiefs jersey and Ariana Bayler to notch up 20 games at this weekends Super Rugby Aupiki All-In.
Nuku, who was a member of the gold medal winning Black Ferns Sevens from the Paris Olympics will join fellow sevens player Justine McGregor in the back line running out in the 15 jersey.
“It’s a real honour and privilege to wear this jersey for the first time.” Says Nuku, “It’s been a while back playing in the province that I started my rugby journey. And I’m really excited to get out and put my best foot forward, represent this team and my whanau”
A change in the midfield sees Ariana Bayler starting at 10 in what will be her 20th cap for the Chiefs Manawa. Bayler is thrilled to join captain Kennedy Tukuafu in becoming the second player to reach the milestone for the club and in addition will mark her 100th first class appearance – the 28th female player in NZ to do so.
“It’s a privilege to reach 20 games for Chiefs Manawa. I’m grateful for all the coaches, teammates, wh`anau and supporters who have been part of my journey. I’m proud to wear this jersey and excited to get stuck in this weekend” Ariana said.
The move to 10 sees Holli O’Sullivan earning her first start of the season, combining with Shoshana Seumanutafa and McGregor in the midfield. The back three is rounded out by Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a, Presayus Singh and debutant Nuku.
The team also welcomes the return of Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu after being sidelined with injury for round two. Her pace and power will add to a strong front row alongside Te Urupounamu McGarvey and Vici-Rose Green. Jade Coates and Chyna Hohepa remain consistent in the locks with Olivia Holten, Kennedy Tukuafu and Mia Anderson rounding out the forward pack as loosies.
The Chiefs Manawa are targeting their first win of the 2026 season against Hurricanes Poua after a heartbreakingly close game against the Blues last week. Combined with Aupiki All-In being hosted at home in Chiefs Country, the women will be hungry for success.
Fans will be treated to a massive double header with all four Aupiki teams playing in one space, with giveaways, a free kids zone, food trucks and live entertainment from up and coming star Jaya.
Starting XV
* denotes debut
- Te Urupounamu McGarvey
- Vici-Rose Green
- Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu
- Jade Coates
- Chyna Hohepa
- Olivia Holten
- Kennedy Tukuafu (C)
- Mia Anderson
- Holli O’Sullivan
- Ariana Bayler (20)
- Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a
- Shoshana Seumanutafa
- Justine McGregor
- Presayus Singh
- Manaia Nuku*
Reserves
- Nicole Purdom
- Te Urupounamu McGarvey
- Chyann Kaitapu
- Lonita Ngalu
- Leomie Kloppers
- Tynealle Fitzgerald
- Reese Anderson
- Madison Flutey
- Lela Ieremia
Unavailable due to injury
- Kaea Nepia
- Kiriana Nolan
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, FMG Stadium Waikato, 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, 12:20pm
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, 12:20pm
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.
