Super Rugby Aupiki 2023

[Crucial]

@Bovidae probably didn’t explain the point well. They have gone local in filling out the squad past the recruitment for the “better” players. The ones least likely to get gametime or the rookies. Wellington similar.

[Stargazer]

It looks like the Chiefs Manawa are going to play in more traditional Chiefs colours, in 2023.

https://www.chiefs.co.nz/news-item/both-teams-to-play-in-the-same-jersey-in-2023

[Auckman 0]

I’m disappointed the 7s stars aren’t going to be there. Marketing opportunity lost to really promote Aupiki to get the crowds and tv audience in so that some major sponsors can get on board for 2024-2025.

The Blues - excited that Vahaakolo is there. Her and Brunt will provide some serious strike power with Demant there. Unfortunately Fitzpatrick isn’t there (7s duty) which is a downer. Our tight-forwards are probably the weakest of the SRA teams with only old veteran Blackwell in there (Charmaine Smith moving to the Chiefs). Loose forwards are ok with Mikaele-Tuu there alongside McMenamin. Hopefully some of the young newbies step up.

[Yeetyaah]

@Auckman-0 said in Super Rugby Aupiki 2023:

I’m disappointed the 7s stars aren’t going to be there. Marketing opportunity lost to really promote Aupiki to get the crowds and tv audience in so that some major sponsors can get on board for 2024-2025.

Likewise but it's up to them. From what I've heard Ruby has been given time to think it over. Fluhler is still listed as a centre in the Manawa section on the Chiefs website.

[Crucial]

The BF Sevens would need a major rebuild without those players although one is needed soon anyway. I guess it depends on where they stand in their life/career balance.

[Bovidae]

@Yeetyaah said in Super Rugby Aupiki 2023:

Likewise but it's up to them. From what I've heard Ruby has been given time to think it over. Fluhler is still listed as a centre in the Manawa section on the Chiefs website.

Bayler is listed too, and she will be playing for the Blues.

[Dan54]

@Yeetyaah said in Super Rugby Aupiki 2023:

@Auckman-0 said in Super Rugby Aupiki 2023:

I’m disappointed the 7s stars aren’t going to be there. Marketing opportunity lost to really promote Aupiki to get the crowds and tv audience in so that some major sponsors can get on board for 2024-2025.

Likewise but it's up to them. From what I've heard Ruby has been given time to think it over. Fluhler is still listed as a centre in the Manawa section on the Chiefs website.

Guess money comes into it too, more money in 7s than super for women?
Shame , but there not much can be done I suppose. A lot will depend on what they can get from TV etc to show the matches?
Would be great if even a few big 7 names stayed, but we still see the likes of Demant, Fitzpatrick , who hopefully are recognised enough to be drawcards.

[Bovidae]

@Dan54 Fitzpatrick is also a sevens player.

The BF7s players already had existing contracts so weren't included amongst the 29 BF contracted players list. I would imagine the sevens contracts are comparable.

[Dan54]

@Bovidae Cheers didn't really know how it worked as I was very much someone who took very little notice of women's rugby earlier, much to shame really.

[Crucial]

Like most playing contracts there are retainers, assembly fees and playing fees.
The more you play the more you get paid.
The retainers aren’t that big but if you consistently play in World Series Sevens you can considerably increase that.
The rules around external sponsors or marketing payments are probably similar to the men. In the ABs the branded ones eg Weetbix with the ABs are handed out depending on contract but you get x number of opportunities to do sponsor events etc.
then you can also do non team work as well as long as you aren’t in kit so that depends on being recognisable.

[Stargazer]

THE KING IS BACK! — Blues Rugby

Former Blues superstar and fan favourite, Carlos Spencer, is back where he made a name for himself - signing on as the nib Blues women’s Backs Coach for Super Rugby Aupiki 2023. Spencer, a member of the inaugural Blues side from 1996 played 99 times in nine seasons for the club and said he is “beyo

[Stargazer]

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/women-in-sport/130570583/im-a-sevens-player-black-ferns-world-cup-winner-sarah-hirini-likely-done-with-15s

[Stargazer]

I could have posted this in multiple threads, including the Black Ferns thread (there is not really a thread for NZR roles/appointments).

Hannah Porter appointed in newly formed role of Head of Women's High Performance

[Crucial]

Keep an eye on the Chiefs socials to see the WTG player lists. (Applies for the men’s team as well)

[Stargazer]

[Stargazer]

The last three spots in the Poua squad have gone to Manawatū front rower Sosoli Talawadua, Black Ferns Sevens Shakira Baker and Kiwi Fern Autumn-Rain Stephens-Daly (a wing/fullback in rugby from BOP).

So not a single Hawke's Bay player in this squad.

Hurricanes Poua Confirm Final Roster Spots

[Bovidae]

Shakira Baker has been part of the BF7s squad for a while but hardly plays on the world circuit. It's probably a good idea to have a go at XVs again.

Also good to see a couple of former BF props returning after having children.

[Stargazer]

Fan experience the focus in Matatū home game venue change | Matatū Rugby

Matatū are excited to announce an updated venue for our first-ever home game in Ōtautahi Christchurch.T he South Island’s only Super Rugby Aupiki team will take the field at Ngā Puna Wai on 4 March 2023, taking on the Hurricanes Poua in Round 2 of the 2023 competition.

Matatū are excited to announce an updated venue for our first-ever home game in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

The South Island’s only Super Rugby Aupiki team will take the field at Ngā Puna Wai on 4 March 2023, taking on the Hurricanes Poua in Round 2 of the 2023 competition.

The game was originally set to take place at Orangetheory Stadium, but Matatū management made the decision to move it to Ngā Puna Wai to create a more intimate and engaged fan experience, with the opportunity to promote a sell out game.

Munro said Matatū had spoken to several UK clubs who had experienced success in building big crowds for women’s sport. It was all about creating opportunities for continued demand and not always matching what the men’s game had done.

“Their advice was to choose a venue that we felt confident in selling out to create atmosphere and an appetite to keep coming back,” Munro said.

[Crucial]

@Stargazer said in Super Rugby Aupiki 2023:

Ngā Puna Wai

I like the idea of what they are trying but I had a look and that is a really pissy little ground with a small bank at either end and a stand about half the size of Porirua Park/Jerry Collins Stadium.

They should be aiming a little higher IMO.

[Stargazer]

@Crucial Yes, I agree with you. It's all nice and new, looks good, but I've tried to count the seats in the stand and I come to approx. 528. That's very small.

Links to google maps:

link 1

Link 2

Link 3

Link 4 (taken from field)

According to Google, Jerry Collins Stadium has 5,500. I've been there several times, and it looks smaller than 5,500, and it's also very inaccessible (narrow residential street, very little parking available, quite a walk from the railway station, limited bus service), but at least in can accommodate a reasonable crowd.