Hurricanes Poua have completed their Super Rugby Aupiki squad with the additions of an NRLW champion Kiwi Fern, a Black Ferns Sevens veteran and a former World-Cup winning Black Fern.
Autumn-Rain Stephens-Daly, Shakira Baker and Sosoli Talawadua were confirmed on Thursday as the Hurricanes’ final three signings for next year’s quick-fire competition, having revealed 25 of their 28-person squad last month.
Stephens-Daly has been lured home to New Zealand and back to the 15-woman game after winning the NRLW with the Newcastle Knights and representing the Kiwi Ferns at the Rugby League World Cup.
The 26-year-old outside back was also selected in the Māori All Stars and scored both of the team’s tries in their 18-8 loss to Indigenous All Stars.
“Autumn has just come off the back of a great year of league with the Newcastle Knights, who won the NRLW, and Rugby League World Cup as part of the Kiwi Ferns squad,” coach Victoria Grant said.
“She’s an elusive outside back with great agility and speed. She is an amazing finisher, so we’re pleased to have her join the side.”
Midfielder Baker is a veteran of the Black Ferns Sevens team, having represented her country 82 times during her career.
She helped New Zealand win a silver medal at the 2016 Olympic Games and a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
The move to the Hurricanes will be a homecoming of sorts for Baker who made her provincial debut for Wellington 14 years ago.
“We know she [Baker] will add experience, professionalism, power and skillset into our squad,” Grant said.
“Shakira is an amazing rugby player that not many people want to tackle, and I know this from experience.”
Talawadua has signed with the Hurricanes after making her way back to competitive rugby following the birth of her second child.
Part of the Black Ferns’ World Cup squad in 2017, the versatile Talawadua is capable of playing right across the front row.
The Hurricanes are scheduled to host Chiefs Manawa in the Super Rugby Aupiki opener at Levin Domain on February 25.
Hurricanes Poua squad
Forwards: Saphire Abraham, Maddie Feaunati, Rhiarna Ferris, Krystal Murray, Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate, Joanah Ngan-Woo, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Jackie Patea-Fereti, Leilani Perese, Cilia-Marie Po’e-Tofaeono, Rachel Rakatau, Layla Sae, Aroha Savage, Kahurangi Sturmey, Sosoli Talawadua, Cristo Tofa. Backs: Shakira Baker, Carys Dallinger, Teilah Ferguson, Iritana Hohaia, Ayesha Leti-I’iga, Milly Mackey, Crystal Mayes, Bernadette Robertson, Autumn-Rain Stephens-Daly, Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali, Monica Tagoai, Isabella Waterman.
