Chiefs Manawa: the proud Aupiki pioneers regrouping for the future

The Chiefs Manawa hold a special place in New Zealand's professional women's game as the team that started it all. When the Chiefs assembled their 2026 squad, they did so as the side that lifted the very first Super Rugby Aupiki trophy back in 2022, going through that inaugural campaign undefeated. They followed it with grand final appearances in 2023 and 2024, cementing themselves as one of the competition's foundation forces.

The 2026 season proved a tougher chapter. Chiefs Manawa finished the regular season in fourth, and as allblacks.com reported, the final was contested by Matatū and the Blues, leaving the Manawa outside the decider this year. The campaign opened in front of a milestone crowd, with the NZ Herald noting that attendance records were broken when Matatū and Chiefs Manawa met in round one, a sign of just how far the women's competition has grown.

Head coach Dwayne Sweeney, in charge since 2025, guided the group through the rebuild alongside assistants Carla Hohepa, Kelly Brazier and Nathan White. As the Chiefs confirmed, Kennedy Tukuafu once again led the side as captain, the most-capped player in Manawa colours.

There is genuine quality across the roster. Playmaker Renee Holmes and halfback Ariana Bayler bring experience and spark, while loose forwards Chyna Hohepa and Mia Anderson add plenty of energy. As allblacks.com highlighted, the 2026 Aupiki squads mixed familiar faces with fresh excitement, and the Manawa were no exception.

One of the season's more emotional notes surrounded Black Ferns great Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, who was unavailable to play but stayed on to mentor the squad. Sweeney said the value she brings to the team "is still huge", a reflection of the leadership woven through the group.

For a franchise built on the pride of being first, a rebuilding year does not dim the legacy. With record crowds turning out, promising young players coming through and a coaching group settled, the Chiefs Manawa have every reason to believe the trophy days can return. The pioneers of Aupiki are not going anywhere.