Blues women name leaders

World Cup winning Black Ferns Ruahei Demant and Maiakawanakaulani (Maia) Roos have been named as co-captains for the Blues women this Super Rugby Aupiki season.

Liana Mikaele-tu’u and Krysten Cottrell will be vicecaptains.

Coach Willie Walker hopes the shared roles will help grow the leadership capability within the squad.

“As a team we’re about growing our people, so having Ruahei and Maia as co-captains presents an opportunity for both players to learn and develop their leadership styles,” said Walker.

“Ruahei is an experienced head, a Black Ferns Captain and someone who holds huge mana in our squad.

“We believe having her alongside an up-and-coming leader in Maia is the perfect mix of youth and experience for our team.

“Both Liana and Krysten were leaders in our squad last year so naming them as vice-captains is a natural step on their journey.”

Walker said it would be business as usual for Mikaele-tu’u and Cottrell.

“Both Liana and Krysten lead with their actions and get the best out of those around them. Vicecaptaincy is about providing a sounding board to the captains and ensuring the team are upholding standards — these two are perfect for the role,” he said.

Roos said she was looking forward to working with Demant in the leadership role.

“It’s an honour to be named as co-captain alongside Ruahei. I feel sharing the job with someone of her experience and ability is the perfect way for me to learn more about how I want to lead.

“Captaincy has many layers to it so being able to share the job amongst the four of us as a leadership group helps — I’m really looking forward to working with Lu, Lee and Duffy.”

Round one of Super Rugby Aupiki starts on March 2, with the Blues first game against defending champions Matatu¯ .

Chiefs Manawa play Hurricanes Poua in the other first round match.