Trio of additions for Poua

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 yesterday 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.

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.

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.