High school student Lusia Togotogorua, 18, is likely to be the youngest to have signed her contract for the inaugural season of Super Rugby Aupiki for next year.

The four teams are the Blues, Chiefs, Hurricanes and Matatū.

Originally from Vatulele in Nadroga, Togotogorua and Black Ferns Tanya Kalounivale are two Fijians among the 105 players who have signed across the four teams that will feature in the first season.

Fiji New Zealand School girls mentor Waisake Sotutu said from Auckland yesterday that Togotogorua’s selection in the Blues squad was no surprise.

“She is a good halfback who has been first choice in sevens and rugby competition from school to club level the last two years,” Sotutu said.

“Her being named in the Blues squad is expected as she has been always in the first line-up, has co-captained and captained her school side,” he said.

“She can be the youngest to have signed, she is probably between 17 and 18.”

Meanwhile Kalounivale is now touring England with the Black Ferns. She is named in the Chiefs’ squad.

“Firstly, I would like to congratulate all those players that have been contracted for the 2022.

“Super Rugby Aupiki is a significant milestone in the growth of women’s rugby in our country and these groups of players rightfully take their place in the history books,” New Zealand Rugby’s Head of Professional Rugby Chris Lendrum said.

“It is great to see such a talented group of players named for each of the four Super Rugby Aupiki teams, the competition not only provides players with a pathway to the Black Ferns but opportunities off the field too,” he said

“The four teams will grow fan bases, commercial partnerships and engagement for rugby.

“It is an exciting product for women’s sport, and sport in general, and I look forward to the rugby community supporting it.”

Super Rugby Aupiki will feature almost 50 current or former Black Ferns players across the four squads.

The Chiefs boast the most international experience, nudging slightly ahead of the Blues with almost 200 combined Black Ferns caps.

Matatū sees the most domestic experience with almost 800 Farah Palmer Cup caps between the 23 contracted players, over 200 more than the next team.

Each squad will consist of 28 players, each club will name their final players by 1 December 2021.

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