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Counties Manukau Heat coach Glen Sharpe has confirmed his squad for the upcoming Farah
Palmer Cup.
Palmer Cup.
The squad includes nine players with experience in either the Black Ferns or Black Ferns XV,
alongside 14 newcomers set to pull on the hoops for the first time.
Ruby Tui, Mererangi Paul, Jaymie Kolose, Tara Turner, Hazel Tubic, Grace Gago, Leilani
Perese and Esther Afoa-Tilo have all featured in Black Ferns squads.
Meanwhile, Harono Te Iringa joins Paul, Kolose, Turner and Gago in the current Black Ferns
XV group.
Players from Manurewa, Patumahoe, Pukekohe, and Weymouth clubs, as well as local school Rosehill College, are included, along with a handful of players from outside the region.
“We’re proud to name a squad that blends exciting young talent with proven experience, setting a strong foundation for continued progress,” Sharpe said.
“This group reflects our commitment to both present performance and future growth, building on the gains from last season. It’s a balanced mix, driven young players learning from experienced leaders, all focused on the same vision for the future.”
This season was about young women stepping up, while the experienced women lean in, and the coaching team work together towards the same goal, Sharpe said.
Counties Manukau Rugby kicks off the Bunnings NPC and Farah Palmer Cup seasons with a home double header on Sunday, August 10, at Navigation Homes Stadium. Enjoy thrilling rugby, food trucks, giveaways, a Kids Zone and whānau fun — a perfect Sunday outing for all ages. Tickets available now at steelers.flicket.co.nz.
2025 Counties Energy Heat: Esther Afoa-Tilo*, Esther Amataga, Rebecca Burch, Kataraina Enosa-Taifau (unavailable due to injury), Joanna Fanene-Lolo, Halapupuahi Finefeuiaki*, Grace Leaso Gago Tiatia, Katrina Hall*, Irene Haupeakui*, Sina Hetet, Jaymie Kolose, Mele Latu’ila, Tiale Lelenga*, Abby Lockhart*, Paige Makiri, Margaret Manase, Paris Mataroa, Aotearoa Matau, Maddison-Rose Motuliki*, Mariaereinei Nikolao*, Sariyah Paitai, Mafi Pasikala, Mererangi Paul, Ffion Penney, Leilani Perese, Alicia Print*, Lana Samuelu, Fou Sefo, Teuila Sotutu*, Deonn Spencer*, Milise Tau*, Ti Tauasosi, Harono Te Iringa, Shyanne Thompson, Hazel Tubic, Ruby Tui, Tara Turner*.
* Denotes first-time Heat player
