Hurricanes Poua are a New Zealand women's professional rugby union team based in Wellington, New Zealand that competes in the Super Rugby Aupiki competition. Hurricanes Poua cover a similar catchment area as the Hurricanes including the Farah Palmer Cup teams of Manawatà «, and Wellington but excluding Hawke's Bay.
On 7 February 2022, The Hurricanes revealed the new name of their women's team â Hurricanes Poua. The new team identity was developed collaboratively by a select committee that included past and present Black Ferns. They drew from preexisting MÃÂori narratives, the team's identity has a connection to (almost all of, excluding Hawke's Bay) both the Hurricanes region and their people. The name Poua was derived from the MÃÂori narrative of Ranginui (sky father) and Papatà «ÃÂnuku (earthmother).
New Zealand Rugby announced that an elite women's competition, consisting of four teams, called Super Rugby Aupiki was confirmed for March 2022. The competition would run for four weeks and the women would be paid for their participation.
Hurricanes Poua released a list of players that had signed for the inaugural Super Rugby Aupiki season. Wesley Clarke was appointed as Head Coach of Hurricanes Poua. Former Black Fern, Victoria Grant, and Manawatu Cyclones Head Coach, Fusi Feaunati, were named as his assistant coaches. Sarah Hirini was named to captain the side for their maiden season.
The Hurricanes Poua were forced to withdraw from their opening match against the Blues Women due to COVID cases and isolation requirements within the team. The teams shared the competition points as the match had been cancelled. After missing out on their opening game, Hurricanes Poua finally got their much awaited debut. They faced Chiefs Manawa in the second round of competition but were beaten 29âÂÂ8. Hurricanes Poua recorded their first win in the final round after defeating Matatà « 18âÂÂ6.
Victoria Grant was appointed as the new Head Coach of Hurricanes Poua for the 2023 Sky Super Rugby Aupiki season. Grant was absent for the 2024 Super Rugby Aupiki season and was expected to return as head coach in 2025. Ngatai Walker will be head coach for the 2024 season.
In early March 2024, the Hurricanes Poua attracted media attention after they used an altered haka (ceremonial dance) before a match with the Chiefs Manawa on 2 March. The haka contained the MÃÂori language line "karetao o te KÃÂwana kakiwhero" or "puppets of this redneck government," which referred to the incumbent National-led coalition government. The haka also made references to Toitu te Tiriti, a political movement that had criticised the Government's policies towards the MÃÂori language and perceived breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi. The Poua lost 46âÂÂ24 to the Chiefs Manawa.
Following media attention, Hurricanes Poua prop and haka leader Leilani Perese claimed that the Hurricanes' management had approved the altered haka but this was disputed by Hurricanes chief executive Avan Lee, who said he was not consulted. Lee announced that the Hurricanes would apologise to the Government. New Zealand Rugby also announced that it would investigate the matter, while the New Zealand Rugby Players Association (NZRPA) confirmed it would speak with the Hurricanes Poua team members. The Hurricanes Poua were criticised by Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters and ACT party leader David Seymour, who said that the team was more interested in politics than in winning the match. By contrast, Kaihaka (performer) and MÃÂori language expert Mataia Keepa defended the Hurricanes Poua, stating that it was "absolutely humbling ... and absolutely heroic" to witness the team's haka.
On 30 October 2025, Hayden Triggs was named the new Head Coach of Hurricanes Poua for the 2026 Super Rugby Aupiki season. Super Rugby New Zealand's official website states the franchise area of the Poua is the same as the Hurricanes with the exception of Hawke's Bay. It is not known if Hawke's Bay has any Super Rugby Aupiki affiliations, ahead of the 2026 Super Rugby Aupiki season.
On 30 October 2024, the squad for the 2025 Super Rugby Aupiki season was announced.
Notes:<div style="line-height:1.2em; margin-left:1.7em; font-size:88%;"> Official Super Rugby Aupiki competition matches only, including finals.</div>