Super Rugby Aupiki is back and bigger than ever with more games, larger squads and even a world-first on TikTok.
But some of the competition's stars say more can – and should – be done.
The captains of the four sides came together in Auckland for the launch of this year’s tournament which now features a double round and larger squads.
The expansions were announced by New Zealand Rugby last year and also included a longer preseason.
Blues co-captain Maia Roos told 1News the extended run-in to the competition has been beneficial.
"We've had lots more time to gel together, especially making time for more off-field connections,” Roos said.
Similar messages came out of Hurricanes Poua, Matatū and Chiefs Manawa, as did a feeling that more needs to be done.
"Our competition has increased by two weeks which is good but it's not good enough,” Blues and Black Ferns co-captain Ruahei Demant said.
“Our competition is six weeks, seven weeks if you make it to the finals versus the boys who are four months."
Hurricanes Poua skipper Jackie Patea-Fereti agreed.
“I think it would be cool if the competition was just a bit longer, especially for the younger girls coming through,” Patea-Fereti added.
“I’m just hoping that the competition expands.”
While nothing official has been proposed, talks of a potential link up with the Super W competition in Australia have been floated – an idea that Chiefs Manawa captain and Black Ferns Kennedy Simon was all for.
"I’m not sure if they’re ready, I’m not sure if we’re ready, it’s still only the third season of this competition coming to fruition, but that’s something that we could probably look forward to seeing.”
But the signs are there for further growth.
In another supplement to Super Rugby Aupiki this year, the final will be live streamed vertically in full on global social media app TikTok – a world-first for any sport, male or female.
Demant said it made sense to take their product to other platforms.
"The public has shown there is an appetite for women's sport in New Zealand and it's an entertaining brand of rugby that people tune in to."
Matatū captain Alana Bremner said her side was determined to be part of it as the defending champs.
"We were good last year, but that isn't going to be enough this year with the way the competition is growing."
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