Blues trio signed to historic three-year deals

A trio of rising Blues stars have become the first players to sign three-year contracts with the club, ensuring some key names from the back-to-back title wins stick around until 2028.

Tara Turner, Maama Vaipulu, and Jaymie Kolose are the three history-makers who have put pen to paper on the long-term deals, with the former two recently named in the Black Ferns’ Pacific Four Series squad and Kolose currently with the Black Ferns Sevens team.

Turner is just one year into her transition to halfback after bursting onto the scene for Northland as a fullback/first five-eighth, helping the province win the Farah Palmer Cup title in 2024.

Vaipulu’s power and athleticism were evident from her 2023 debut, and her growth in her core roles has seen her claim seven Black Ferns caps so far in her young rugby career.

Kolose is well-established as one of New Zealand’s rising outside back talents, with her recent step into the Black Ferns Sevens bringing her one step closer to a Black Ferns jersey.

Blues head coach Willie Walker was thrilled to offer the trio the landmark deals.

“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.”