The Auckland Storm are ready to launch their 2026 Farah Palmer Cup campaign, naming a squad blending proven representative experience with a wave of new talent as they prepare to take on Canterbury in Christchurch.
Eleven players are in line to make their Storm debuts this season, while some of Auckland women’s rugby’s most experienced campaigners return to provide the backbone of the side.
The Storm represent the pinnacle of Auckland women’s provincial rugby, competing nationally in the Farah Palmer Cup.
Blackwell closes in on 100
One of the biggest stories of the campaign will be Eloise Blackwell, who is poised to make her 100th appearance for the Storm.
The milestone would underline an extraordinary contribution to Auckland rugby and provide the squad with considerable experience as a new generation emerges around her.
Aldora Itunu is also approaching a major milestone with her 75th appearance, while Cilia-Marie Po’e-Tofaeono is set to reach 30.
Danny-Elle Fesola’i, Gillian Fa’aumu, Mel Reid, Aleiyah Tuala and Mikaya Kaipo are each in line to reach 20 appearances during the campaign.
Nine potential debutants for Canterbury opener
Head coach Ben Sinnamon returns for his second season and has wasted no time introducing fresh talent, with nine potential Storm debutants included in the opening match-day 23.
He is again joined by assistant coach Brendan Clark, while two women with enormous connections to the Storm have joined the coaching group.
Former Black Ferns Charmaine McMenamin and Aleisha Pearl Nelson bring more than 140 Auckland appearances between them — McMenamin with 70 and Nelson with 75.
That institutional knowledge could prove particularly valuable in a squad containing so many new faces.
Auckland Rugby says its women’s pathway extends from junior and secondary-school rugby through to senior club competition and ultimately the Storm, with women’s and girls’ rugby becoming an increasingly important part of the provincial game.
Kaipo sisters continue special Storm journey
There are also strong whānau connections within the squad.
Sisters Samaria and Mikaya Kaipo will continue representing the Storm together, with Mikaya named to start at lock against Canterbury and Samaria providing front-row cover from the bench.
Mel Reid also returns after taking time away from rugby following the birth of her first child, adding another significant personal storyline to the season.
Experience up front, fresh talent across the field
Auckland’s opening starting XV contains plenty of experience in the forwards.
Po’e-Tofaeono, Itunu and Chrissy-Jon Leaoasavaii form the front row, with Blackwell partnering Mikaya Kaipo at lock.
Zara Feaunati, Taufa Bason and Tafito Lafaele complete the loose forwards.
In the backs, Emacyn Ieremia starts at halfback alongside Gillian Fa’aumu at first five, while Hollie-Rae Mete-Renata and Letiara Foster combine in midfield.
Stephanie Kelleway and Karla Wright-Akeli start on the wings, with Presayus Singh at fullback.
Canterbury provides immediate test
There will be little time for the new-look Storm to ease themselves into the competition.
Canterbury provides an immediate examination of Auckland’s credentials and an opportunity for the nine potential debutants to establish themselves at Farah Palmer Cup level.
For Sinnamon and his coaching team, the objective is to combine the leadership of players who have worn the blue-and-white hoops for years with the energy of those getting their first opportunity.
It also comes as the wider women’s game continues to expand in Tāmaki Makaurau. Auckland Rugby recorded 53 teams and around 550 players at its Junior Girls Rugby Festival in 2025, compared with just four teams when the event began in 2018.
Those numbers demonstrate why the Storm matter beyond the Farah Palmer Cup table.
Every new player who pulls on the jersey provides another visible pathway for the next generation of kōtiro watching from the sideline.
For Auckland, however, the immediate focus is Canterbury.
A new squad, nine possible debutants, major milestones on the horizon and another Farah Palmer Cup campaign ready to begin — the Storm are coming.
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