Three Black Ferns Sevens stars set for Super Rugby Aupiki debuts as Blues and Chiefs Manawa name squads

Three Black Ferns Sevens-connected players are set to make their Super Rugby Aupiki debuts in Round 2, as the Blues and Chiefs Manawa name their squads for a Hamilton fixture.

The Chiefs Manawa have called up Justine McGregor, a 20-year-old already capped at full Black Ferns level after contributing to New Zealand’s Pacific Four Series title in May. Joining her in making a first Aupiki appearance is Louise Blyde, whose family ties to the women’s game run deep — she is the cousin of SVNS Series speedster Michaela Blyde. The two debutants add to the 12 players who made their Chiefs Manawa bows in Round 1.

The Blues, meanwhile, have named Jaymie Kolose and Katelyn Vahaakolo on the wings, with Vahaakolo marking her 20th appearance for the club. Samoan international prop Glory Aiono earns a starting debut after Cilia-Marie Po’e-Tofaeono was ruled out for the week.

The defending champions head into the fixture with further disruption to their squad, having lost Amarante Sititi to injury and Maama Vaipulu to suspension.