LANDMARK THREE-YEAR CONTRACTS FOR NIB BLUES

The nib Blues have announced the club’s first ever long-term contracts for its women’s programme, securing Tara Turner, Maama Vaipulu, and Jaymie Kolose through to the end of the 2028 Super Rugby Aupiki season.

Turner, one of the most exciting young talents in the game, has become a cornerstone of the team after making the shift from fullback to recreate her game at halfback in 2025.

Vaipulu brings explosive power and physicality to the forward pack. Known for her ability to shift momentum, she has continued to grow into a key figure in the Blues’ line-out.

Kolose, already a huge attacking threat, has also made a huge shift on defence to embed herself as a game-breaker on the Super Rugby and Black Ferns Sevens stage.

All three debuted together in 2023 and have since been called up for New Zealand representative duties.

nib Blues head coach Willie Walker said the signings represent a defining moment for the programme.

“This is huge for our club and for women’s rugby in Aotearoa. Securing Tara, Maama, and Jaymie for the next three years gives us a strong core to build around. These are players who not only perform at the highest level but drive standards every day,” Walker said.

“We’re seeing the women’s game evolve rapidly, and commitments like this show that we’re serious about creating an environment where our athletes can thrive long-term. It’s about performance, but it’s also about connection, identity, and building something that lasts.”

The move aligns with the Blues’ broader strategy to invest in pathways and provide greater certainty for female athletes, ensuring they can develop their careers within a world-class professional environment.