On 7 February 2022, The Hurricanes revealed the new name of their women's team – Hurricanes Poua.[2] The new team identity was developed collaboratively by a select committee that included past and present Black Ferns.[2] They drew from preexisting Māori narratives, the team's identity has a connection to both the Hurricanes region and their people. The name Poua was derived from the Māori narrative of Ranginui (sky father) and Papatūānuku (earthmother).[2]
Super Rugby Aupiki announced
New Zealand Rugby announced that an elite women's competition, consisting of four teams, called Super Rugby Aupiki was confirmed for March 2022.[3][4][5] The competition would run for four weeks and the women would be paid for their participation.[6][7][5]
Inaugural squad and coaching team named
Hurricanes Poua released a list of players that had signed for the inaugural Super Rugby Aupiki season.[8][9][10]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.[11]Sarah Hirini was named to captain the side for their maiden season.[12]
Inaugural 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.[13][14] 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 29–8.[15][16][17] Hurricanes Poua recorded their first win in the final round after defeating Matatū 18–6.[18][19][20]
2023
Victoria Grant was appointed as the new Head Coach of Hurricanes Poua for the 2023 Sky Super Rugby Aupiki season.[21][22][23] Grant will be absent for the 2024 Super Rugby Aupiki season and will return as head coach in 2025.[24] Ngatai Walker will be head coach for the 2024 season.[24]
2024 haka incident
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 Māori language line "karetao o te Kāwana 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 Māori language and perceived breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi.[25] The Poua lost 46–24 to the Chiefs Manawa.[26]
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.[25] The Hurricanes Poua were criticised by Deputy Prime MinisterWinston Peters and ACT party leader David Seymour, who said that the team was more interested in politics than in winning the match.[27][26] By contrast, Kaihaka (performer) and Māori language expert Mataia Keepa defended the Hurricanes Poua, stating that it was "absolutely humbling ... and absolutely heroic" to witness the team's haka.[28]
