Rugby focus pays off for Vaipulu
Blues lock is one of five new contracted players after quitting volleyball last year
Maama Vaipulu’s sporting career could have played out much differently. A talented volleyballer, the 21-year-old lock committed herself to rugby only last year — a call made in consultation with her parents and some of her coaches.
“I didn’t make the call,” Vaipulu told the Herald.
“They really wanted me to focus on one thing, which was rugby because it offered me more opportunities than volleyball. Reflecting now, I think that was the best decision.
“I would’ve tried to juggle both but it wouldn’t have worked out. We have a scheduled week and volleyball probably would have just gotten in the way a bit.”
After an impressive season with the Super Rugby Aupiki champion Blues team, Vaipulu is taking her talents to the top level.
Vaipulu is one of 40 players to secure a Black Ferns contract for the 2024 season, and one of five selected for the first time, alongside Atlanta Lolohea, Hannah King, Kahlia Awa, and Maia Joseph.
Vaipulu says she got a call from Black Ferns director of rugby Allan Bunting during a gym session late last month but doesn’t exactly remember how the conversation went.
“I felt like a few people knew I was about to get a call but I didn’t [know]. They were just waiting for me to get it.
“He was just like, ‘hello Maama, this is Bunts’ and talked about why I deserved this contract. I don’t really remember how it went because my mind was so blank at the time.
“We have a couch outside our gym. I just sat on there and was taking deep breaths in because I didn’t know if that was real or not.
“When we talked over the phone, I remember he said he liked my physicality, and in rugby, you have to be very physical. I think that’s what I bring — a bit of feistiness and aggression to the game — and I just hope I continue to do that.”
The contract will see Vaipulu continue her steep learning curve.
Playing alongside a talented and experienced forwards group with the Blues has been great for her development, she said, with the likes of Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Eloise Blackwell and Charmaine McMenamin guiding her.
“They’ve helped me a lot. I threw myself into rugby. I didn’t know the sport and learning off them really helped me be more confident in the game and my role as a player.
“Aupiki is a very professional space but I think the Black Ferns will be even higher. I don’t know how they go about it but I definitely will be learning.”
Along with the Black Ferns newcomers, experienced quartet Aldora Itunu, Marcelle Parkes, Kaipo Olsen-Baker and Monica Tagoai have earned a return.
“We are pleased to welcome back these experienced players into our environment,” Bunting said.
Contracted Black Ferns Alana Bremner, Aldora Itunu, Amy du Plessis, Amy Rule, Ariana Bayler, Atlanta Lolohea, Ayesha Leti-I’iga, Awhi Tangen-Wainohu, Charmaine Smith, Chelsea Bremner, Chryss Viliko, Georgia Ponsonby, Grace Steinmetz, Hannah King, Iritana Hohaia, Joanah Ngan Woo, Kahlia Awa, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Kate Henwood, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Kennedy Simon, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Layla Sae, Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai’i (Sylvia) Brunt, Lucy Jenkins, Luka Connor, Leaso Grace Gago Tiatia, Maama Vaipulu, Maia Joseph, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Marcelle Parkes, Mererangi Paul, Monica Tagoai, Patricia Maliepo, Renee Holmes, Ruahei Demant, Ruby Tui, Santo Taumata, Sophie Fisher, Tanya Kalounivale.
“Their perseverance, physical presence and ability to impact games has been evident. They have been standouts for their respective teams during Super Rugby Aupiki and we are excited to see what they bring to environment.”
Phillipa Love, Liv McGoverne and Mia Anderson will join the squad on interim contracts as injury cover, with one additional fulltime contract still to be confirmed.