CROSS-CODE STAR VAHA’AKOLO JOINS nib BLUES WOMEN

Recognise the name? Katelyn Vaha’akolo just this morning represented the Kiwi Ferns in their semi-final victory against England at the Rugby League World Cup in the UK, however it’s on the rugby union field where she is taking her talents in 2023.

Vaha’akolo is the latest nib Blues women’s player to sign for the Super Rugby Aupiki season having made her name in league with the Kiwi Ferns and Newcastle Knights in the NRLW.

After representing the Auckland Storm in 2022, Vaha’akolo watched the recent Women’s Rugby World Cup with interest and recognised the impact the Black Ferns have had on the country.

“It’s so cool to see how the game has grown so much, especially selling out Eden Park - I took my nephew to one of the games and he loved it - very inspiring!” Vaha’akolo said.

The twenty-two-year-old outside back is a rare talent, currently representing the Kiwi Ferns in the UK, she comes to the nib Blues after impressing for the Storm in the Farrah Palmer Cup last season.

“Being around the likes of Ruahei and Kiritapu Demant as well as Eloise Blackwell - I just felt so welcomed - especially for someone who hasn’t been around the rugby scene for that long. I just had so much fun, it was awesome,” she said.

Already a high achiever, Vaha’akolo has made her aspirations in union very clear.

“After my experiences in rugby so far, I’ve decided that I want to be a Black Fern.”

nib Blues Head Coach, Willie Walker, is excited to have Vaha’akolo as part of his squad for the coming season and said she is definitely a talent to watch out for.

“She’s got great skills and plenty of pace - I’m really looking forward to what Katelyn will bring to the side both on-and-off the field.”

“By her own admission, she is still learning the intricacies of rugby so as a coach it’s my job to simplify things for her and let her broad skillset shine.”

Vaha’akolo is also a proud Māori and advocate for Te Reo Māori in the community.

“I didn’t grow up speaking Māori, so I was a bit of a late bloomer in that sense,” she said. 

“Being able to learn the language and represent people who are still learning Te Reo Māori and the culture itself is something that’s really important to me, I really value it, my culture makes up who I am.”

The full nib Blues squad will be announced on Monday next week - keep an eye out for Katelyn Vaha’akolo when the Aupiki season rolls around.

 “I’m buzzing, I can’t wait.”