Younger Sititi sibling named in 2026 Blues squad for Super Rugby Aupiki

The reigning Super Rugby Aupiki champions have named a stacked squad for their three-peat campaign and have added yet more youthful firepower to the mix in the form of Amarante Sititi.

The 18-year-old was a stand-out for Auckland in the 2025 FPC, winning Auckland Rugby’s FPC Emerging Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year, and will draw plenty of interest as the latest member of the Sititi family to enter the professional rugby arena. The Auckland Girls Grammar School product follows in the footsteps of her father, former Manu Samoa captain Semo Sititi, and brother, All Black Wallace Sititi, both of whom are also loose forwards.

The other story of the Blues’ 2026 squad naming is the retention of the many stars who have steered the team to back-to-back titles. Ruahei Demant and Maiakawanakaulani Roos will lead the team, with a dozen Black Ferns across the 30-woman squad.

“We’ve worked hard to retain the core of what’s made this group successful over the past few seasons, while also identifying areas where we can evolve with more young talent from our region,” Blues head coach Willie Walker said.

“A few seasons ago, we had a big focus on growing our base and talent from our region, and it’s been great to see those players now go on to higher honours and still be a part of our group.

“There’s a real hunger and love for this team. Success doesn’t guarantee anything in this competition. With a short competition, you can’t afford to be complacent, and you have to bring your best every week, as it can come down to one game or points difference to determine whether you’re in the final or not.

“We’re not shying away from what’s in front of us. The opportunity to create something special is there, but we know it’s going to take from one to thirty to get us there.

“This group is excited, connected and ready to earn everything again this season.”

Blues 2026 squad

Props
Aldora Itunu (Auckland)
Nijiho Nagata (Pearls, Japan)
Cilia-Marie Po’e-Tofaeono (Auckland)
Harono Te Iringa (Counties)
Cheyenne Tuli-Fale (Auckland)
Chryss Viliko (Auckland)

Hookers
Danny-Elle Alefosio Fesolai (Auckland)
Grace Leaso Gago Tiatia (Counties)
Atlanta Lolohea (Canterbury)

Locks
Eloise Blackwell (Auckland)
Maiakawanakaulani Roos (Auckland)
Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu (Auckland)

Loose Forwards
Mele Taufa Bason (Auckland)
Lemalu Dajian Brown (Auckland)
Zara Feaunati (Auckland)
Tafito Lafaele (Auckland)
Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (Auckland)
Amarante Sititi (Auckland)

Halfbacks
Ffion Penney (Counties)
Tara Turner (Northland/Counties)

First Fives
Ruahei Demant (Auckland)
Ella Henderson (North Harbour)

Midfielders
Sylvia Brunt (Auckland)
Hollyrae Mete-Renata (Auckland)

Outside Backs
Jaymie Kolose (Counties)
Danii Mafoe (Auckland)
Sariyah Paitai (Counties)
Mererangi Paul (Counties)
Braxton Sorensen-McGee (Auckland)
Katelyn Vahaakolo (Auckland)