Chiefs Manawa

Chiefs Manawa
UnionNew Zealand Rugby
Founded2021; 3 years ago (2021)
LocationHamilton, New Zealand
RegionBay of Plenty
Counties Manukau
Waikato
Taranaki
Coach(es)Crystal Kaua
Captain(s)Kennedy Simon
League(s)Super Rugby Aupiki
2024Runners-up
Official website
www.chiefs.co.nz

The Chiefs Manawa are a New Zealand women's professional rugby union team based in Hamilton, New Zealand that competes in the Super Rugby Aupiki competition.[1]

Chiefs Manawa won the inaugural season of the Super Rugby Aupiki competition. They went undefeated throughout the season and beat the Blues Women 35–0 in the final round to claim the title.[2][3][4][5]

In 2023 they continued their winning streak throughout the regular season, however were defeated by Matatū in the final.

The Chiefs Manawa were finalists for the third straight year in 2024 facing the Blues Women at Eden Park but once again finished runner-up. However, following the final they re-connected to field a Chiefs Manawa Development XV to face the USA ahead of their PAC4 test against the Black Ferns.[6] The Chiefs Manawa Development XV tied with the USA in the training game 29-29.

  1. ^ "Green light for Super Rugby Aupiki". allblacks.com. 6 October 2021. Retrieved 6 October 2021.
  2. ^ Chapman, Grant (20 March 2022). "Super Rugby Aupiki: Chiefs Manawa dominate Blues to stay unbeaten, claim inaugural championship". Newshub. Retrieved 20 March 2022.
  3. ^ "Chiefs Manawa crowned Sky Super Rugby Aupiki champs". superrugby.co.nz. 20 March 2022. Archived from the original on 20 March 2022. Retrieved 20 March 2022.
  4. ^ Reive, Christopher (20 March 2022). "Super Rugby Aupiki: Chiefs storm away to claim inaugural title". NZ Herald. Archived from the original on 20 March 2022. Retrieved 20 March 2022.
  5. ^ Pearson, Joseph (20 March 2022). "Chiefs Manawa overwhelm gallant Blues in decider to win first Super Rugby Aupiki title". Stuff. Retrieved 20 March 2022.
  6. ^ "Chiefs Manawa Development XV to assist USA ahead of their PAC4 test".