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Hurricanes Poua

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Hurricanes Poua
UnionNew Zealand Rugby
Founded2021; 3 years ago (2021)
LocationWellington, New Zealand
RegionHawke's Bay
Manawatu
Wellington
Coach(es)Ngatai Walker
Captain(s)Jackie Patea-Fereti
League(s)Super Rugby Aupiki
20244th Overall
Official website
www.hurricanes.co.nz

Hurricanes Poua are a New Zealand women's professional rugby union team based in Wellington, New Zealand that competes in the Super Rugby Aupiki competition.[1]

History

[edit]

Team name

[edit]

On 7 February 2022, The Hurricanes revealed the new name of their women's team – Hurricanes Poua.[2] The new team identity was developed collaboratively by a select committee that included past and present Black Ferns.[2] They drew from preexisting Māori narratives, the team's identity has a connection to both the Hurricanes region and their people. The name Poua was derived from the Māori narrative of Ranginui (sky father) and Papatūānuku (earthmother).[2]

Super Rugby Aupiki announced

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New Zealand Rugby announced that an elite women's competition, consisting of four teams, called Super Rugby Aupiki was confirmed for March 2022.[3][4][5] The competition would run for four weeks and the women would be paid for their participation.[6][7][5]

Inaugural squad and coaching team named

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Hurricanes Poua released a list of players that had signed for the inaugural Super Rugby Aupiki season.[8][9][10] Wesley Clarke was appointed as Head Coach of Hurricanes Poua. Former Black Fern, Victoria Grant, and Manawatu Cyclones Head Coach, Fusi Feaunati, were named as his assistant coaches.[11] Sarah Hirini was named to captain the side for their maiden season.[12]

Inaugural season

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The Hurricanes Poua were forced to withdraw from their opening match against the Blues Women due to COVID cases and isolation requirements within the team. The teams shared the competition points as the match had been cancelled.[13][14] After missing out on their opening game, Hurricanes Poua finally got their much awaited debut. They faced Chiefs Manawa in the second round of competition but were beaten 29–8.[15][16][17] Hurricanes Poua recorded their first win in the final round after defeating Matatū 18–6.[18][19][20]

2023

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Victoria Grant was appointed as the new Head Coach of Hurricanes Poua for the 2023 Sky Super Rugby Aupiki season.[21][22][23] Grant will be absent for the 2024 Super Rugby Aupiki season and will return as head coach in 2025.[24] Ngatai Walker will be head coach for the 2024 season.[24]

2024 haka incident

[edit]

In early March 2024, the Hurricanes Poua attracted media attention after they used an altered haka (ceremonial dance) before a match with the Chiefs Manawa on 2 March. The haka contained the Māori language line "karetao o te Kāwana kakiwhero" or "puppets of this redneck government," which referred to the incumbent National-led coalition government. The haka also made references to Toitu te Tiriti, a political movement that had criticised the Government's policies towards the Māori language and perceived breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi.[25] The Poua lost 46–24 to the Chiefs Manawa.[26]

Following media attention, Hurricanes Poua prop and haka leader Leilani Perese claimed that the Hurricanes' management had approved the altered haka but this was disputed by Hurricanes chief executive Avan Lee, who said he was not consulted. Lee announced that the Hurricanes would apologise to the Government. New Zealand Rugby also announced that it would investigate the matter, while the New Zealand Rugby Players Association (NZRPA) confirmed it would speak with the Hurricanes Poua team members.[25] The Hurricanes Poua were criticised by Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters and ACT party leader David Seymour, who said that the team was more interested in politics than in winning the match.[27][26] By contrast, Kaihaka (performer) and Māori language expert Mataia Keepa defended the Hurricanes Poua, stating that it was "absolutely humbling ... and absolutely heroic" to witness the team's haka.[28]

Current squad

[edit]

On 27 November 2023, the squad for the 2024 Super Rugby Aupiki season was announced.[29][30] Ayesha Leti-i'iga is injured and was not considered for selection.[29]

Hurricanes Super Rugby Aupiki squad

Props

Hookers

Locks

Loose forwards

Halfbacks (scrum-halves)

First five-eighths (fly-halves)

Midfielders (centres)

Outside backs

(c) Denotes team captain, Bold denotes internationally capped, ST denotes a short-term signing.

Coaches and management

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  • Head Coach: Ngatai Walker
  • Assistant Coach: –
  • Skills Coach: Fusi Feaunati
  • Resource Coach: Matt Sexton
  • Team Manager: Mary-Jane Durkin
  • Doctor: Dr. Lincoln Wharetohunga
  • Physiotherapist: Kara Fowke
  • Performance Analyst: Matt Healey
  • Strength & Conditioning Coach: Luke Vasu

Captain

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Captain Period Ref
Sarah Hirini 2022 [12]
Jackie Patea-Fereti 2023

Coach

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Hurricanes Poua coaches by date, matches and win percentage*
Coach Period G W D L %
Wesley Clarke 2022 3 1 1 1 50%
Victoria Grant 2023 5 2 0 3 40%
Ngatai Walker 2024 6 1 0 5 16.66%
Totals (2022–present)* 14 4 1 9 28.57%
Updated to: 13 April 2024

Notes:

^* Official Super Rugby Aupiki competition matches only, including finals.

References

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  1. ^ "Green light for Super Rugby Aupiki". allblacks.com. 6 October 2021. Archived from the original on 2 August 2022. Retrieved 6 October 2021.
  2. ^ a b c "Hurricanes Unveil New Name for Hurricanes Women's Team". Hurricanes. 7 February 2022. Archived from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  3. ^ "New Zealand Rugby confirms a Four-team women's Super Rugby Aupiki for March 2022". oceania.rugby. 5 October 2021. Archived from the original on 26 January 2022. Retrieved 13 August 2022.
  4. ^ "NZR announces new women's Super Rugby competition". NZ Herald. 6 October 2021. Archived from the original on 2 December 2022. Retrieved 13 August 2022.
  5. ^ a b Nelson, Trudi. ""This is a no-brainer": New Zealand Rugby launches elite women's competition". www.sen.com.au. Archived from the original on 13 August 2022. Retrieved 13 August 2022.
  6. ^ Pearson, Joseph (5 October 2021). "Super Rugby Aupiki: Players will be paid in NZ Rugby's new elite women's competition". Stuff. Archived from the original on 11 January 2022. Retrieved 13 August 2022.
  7. ^ Voerman, Andrew (6 May 2021). "New Zealand Rugby commits to launching new elite women's competition in 2022". Stuff. Archived from the original on 13 August 2022. Retrieved 13 August 2022.
  8. ^ "Inaugural Super Rugby Aupiki squads announced". superrugby.co.nz. 4 November 2021. Archived from the original on 9 August 2022. Retrieved 13 August 2022.
  9. ^ "Inaugural Super Rugby Aupiki squads announced". NZ Herald. 4 November 2021. Archived from the original on 11 February 2022. Retrieved 13 August 2022.
  10. ^ "2022 Chiefs Women's Squad announced". Chiefs. 3 November 2021. Archived from the original on 3 November 2021. Retrieved 13 August 2022.
  11. ^ "Hurricanes Confirm Women's Coaching Group for 2022". Hurricanes. 28 January 2022. Archived from the original on 25 August 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  12. ^ a b "Sarah Hirini to captain the Hurricanes Poua for Sky Super Rugby Aupiki". Hurricanes. 21 February 2022. Archived from the original on 25 August 2022. Retrieved 24 August 2022.
  13. ^ "Another Covid blow as Super Rugby Aupiki match cancelled". NZ Herald. 7 March 2022. Archived from the original on 25 August 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  14. ^ Chapman, Grant (8 March 2022). "Super Rugby Aupiki: COVID-19 forces cancellation of women's competition opener between Hurricanes Poua, Blues". Newshub. Archived from the original on 25 August 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  15. ^ Pearson, Joseph (15 March 2022). "Super Rugby Aupiki: Chiefs Manawa overcome Hurricanes Poua despite losing two players to sinbin". Stuff. Archived from the original on 13 August 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  16. ^ Burnes, Campbell (15 March 2022). "Chiefs Manawa go 2–0 in Sky Super Rugby Aupiki". allblacks.com. Archived from the original on 25 August 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  17. ^ Powell, Alex (15 March 2022). "Super Rugby Aupiki: Chiefs Manawa continue unbeaten start to debut season with victory over Hurricanes Poua". Newshub. Archived from the original on 25 August 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  18. ^ Reive, Christopher (20 March 2022). "Hurricanes Poua claim first Super Rugby win". NZ Herald. Archived from the original on 13 August 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  19. ^ Cheshire, Jeff (21 March 2022). "Matatu's efforts not enough to seal a first-season win". Otago Daily Times Online News. Archived from the original on 25 August 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  20. ^ Cooper, David (20 March 2022). "Super Rugby Aupiki: Ayesha Leti-I'iga inspires Hurricanes Poua to first win against Matatū – galaxyconcerns". Archived from the original on 25 August 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  21. ^ "Grant to Lead Hurricanes Poua in 2023 Super Rugby Aupiki". Hurricanes. 27 September 2022. Archived from the original on 17 October 2022. Retrieved 16 October 2022.
  22. ^ Powell, Alex (28 September 2022). "Super Rugby Aupiki: First female coaches appointed for expanded 2023 competition". Newshub. Archived from the original on 17 October 2022. Retrieved 16 October 2022.
  23. ^ "Super Rugby Aupiki returns for 2023 with two new coaches". NZ Sports Wire. 27 September 2022. Archived from the original on 17 October 2022. Retrieved 17 October 2022.
  24. ^ a b Lester, Ned (10 November 2023). "Super Rugby Aupiki coaches confirmed for 2024 season". www.rugbypass.com. Archived from the original on 17 December 2023. Retrieved 17 December 2023.
  25. ^ a b Porter, Joe (6 March 2024). "NZ Rugby investigate Hurricanes Poua haka". Radio New Zealand. Archived from the original on 6 March 2024. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  26. ^ a b "David Seymour calls Hurricanes Poua's 'redneck' haka 'stupid'". The New Zealand Herald. 7 March 2024. Archived from the original on 6 March 2024. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  27. ^ "Winston Peters tackles Hurricanes Poua over 'redneck government' haka". Stuff. 6 March 2024. Archived from the original on 17 March 2024. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  28. ^ "Poua wāhine 'absolutely heroic' to perform haka – expert". 1News. TVNZ. 6 March 2024. Archived from the original on 7 March 2024. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  29. ^ a b "Hurricanes Poua 2024 Sky Super Rugby Aupiki Squad". www.hurricanes.co.nz. 27 November 2023. Archived from the original on 22 December 2023. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
  30. ^ "Sky Super Rugby Aupiki squads locked in for 2024". superrugby.co.nz. 28 November 2023. Archived from the original on 12 December 2023. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
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