Super Rugby Aupiki 2023

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Good steal.

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Now that the RWC is over I expect the squads to be named soon.

Here is the media release:

https://www.chiefs.co.nz/news-item/dhys-faleafaga-signs-with-waitomo-chiefs-manawa-for-2023

Faleafaga took a break from rugby this year for the birth of twin boys with her partner, New Zealand Sevens player, Tone Ng Shiu.

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@Bovidae Chiefs Manawa already have 3 BF props (Tangen-Wainohu, Taumata, Kalounivale) so that's an interesting choice for her to move.

[Bovidae]

@Crucial said in Super Rugby Aupiki 2023:

@Bovidae Chiefs Manawa already have 3 BF props (Tangen-Wainohu, Taumata, Kalounivale) so that's an interesting choice for her to move.

See above. I expect Faleafaga is currently based at Mt Maunganui, so convenience.

Angel Mulu has gone in the other direction to return home.

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https://www.chiefs.co.nz/news-item/santo-taumata-re-signs-with-waitomo-chiefs-manawa

[Crucial]

@Bovidae Talk about break through players. Not out of place at the very top level at all.
If the BFs hadn't gone into camp during FPC, the platform that the BOP forwards were showing would have allowed the young inexperienced backs to progress more than they did. Santo didn't seem to believe in herself at the start of FPC but has massively stepped up.
Chiefs Manawa is going to be a stacked team again. Could do with an 'upgrade' in the loosies but every other area is very strong.

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@Crucial said in Super Rugby Aupiki 2023:

Chiefs Manawa is going to be a stacked team again. Could do with an 'upgrade' in the loosies but every other area is very strong.

If the Chiefs are allowed to pick all players from their own region the team will be stronger than this year. Reynolds and Holmes were shipped off to the Matutu to accommodate the BF7s players. I will be disappointed if the likes of Brazier are included again. Time to move on.

Lock will be the weakest position.

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Renee Holmes Re-signs for 2023 | Matatū Rugby

Women's Rugby World Cup Winner Renee Holmes has re-signed with Matatū for 2023

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CROSS-CODE STAR VAHA’AKOLO JOINS nib BLUES WOMEN — Blues Rugby

Recognise the name? Katelyn Vaha’akolo just this morning represented the Kiwi Ferns in their semi-final victory against England at the Rugby League World Cup in the UK, however it’s on the rugby union field where she is taking her talents in 2023. Vaha’akolo is the latest nib Blues women’s player t

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Georgia Cormick Locked in for 2023 | Matatū Rugby

Australia born Otago Farah Palmer Cup player Georgia Cormick has signed with Matatū for the 2023 Super Rugby Aupiki Season

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Chiefs Manawa are turning into the female version of the Crusaders. Signing the best players from around the country, making them even harder to beat.

They've stolen another one:

https://www.chiefs.co.nz/news-item/chelsea-bremner-signs-with-waitomo-chiefs-manawa

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I did say that the Chiefs needed some locks.

I read that her partner is Joe Apikotoa, so maybe she wants to be closer to him.

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@Bovidae Yeah, that's what I was thinking.

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@Stargazer said in Super Rugby Aupiki 2023:

Georgia Cormick Locked in for 2023 | Matatū Rugby

Australia born Otago Farah Palmer Cup player Georgia Cormick has signed with Matatū for the 2023 Super Rugby Aupiki Season

Good player and a big part of the better performances of Otago this year.
A replacement for Elmo I guess.

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Du Plessis to Return for Matatū | Matatū Rugby

Black Fern and Rugby World Cup Champion Amy Du Plessis has committed to Matatū for the next Super Rugby Aupiki season

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I must admit I don't know who she is. Haven't seen enough Volcanix games, I guess.

https://www.chiefs.co.nz/news-item/tynealle-fitzgerald-re-signed-for-2023

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Me either. The original squad had 5 props, so maybe she replaces one of the others like Jayjay Taylor, or an extra prop is to added to squads. They had expanded benches this season.

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Two-time World Cup Winner Aroha Savage Signs with the Hurricanes Poua