The Blues celebrate their win over the Waratahs in the inaugural trans-Tasman women's clash. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
The champion Blues women are just getting started.
With the theme of their 2025 season centred around being the 'first', after creating history, the side are now determined to build a dynasty.
Skipper Maiakawanakaulani Roos said this Blues story had plenty of chapters left to write.
"We focus on building a culture where people want to be here and want to do the best for each other," she said. "We have such good connections and I think that transfers whenever we play.
"We still feel like we haven't played our best game this season, so hopefully, going into next year, we'll be able to keep building."
After consecutive Aupiki titles, the Blues became the inaugural trans-Tasman Super Rugby champions, defeating NSW Waratahs women 36-5 in atrocious Albany conditions.
Maia Roos and Braxton Sorensen-McGee pose with the trans-Tasman trophy. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Despite relentless rain and wild winds, they didn't shy away from their expansive style.
"We talked about being courageous," Roos said. "We wanted to play how we usually play, so really proud of how we handled the pressure under those conditions."
New Zealand rugby's newest superstar, Braxton Sorensen-McGee, backed up her heroics in the Aupiki final with another sensational display from fullback, scoring two stunning individual tries.
"She's amazing," Roos said. "She's such a talent."
"She's added so much value to our team this season, she is deceptively strong. She is a little body, but when we do one-on-one tackles, she gets me every time.
"I have no words for Braxton. She's just amazing."
Blues women celebrate a try against the Waratahs. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Roos said, even if they lost the likes of Black Ferns legend Portia Woodman, the young talent in the squad would ensure the Blues return next season just as strong.
"They still have so much more to give and that's the scary part. They are amazing talents, and we just want them to flourish and enjoy rugby as much as they can."
Despite no immediate plans to combine Aupiki with the Australian Super Rugby W, Roos hoped for more regular trans-Tasman fixtures.
"I think it's an awesome start," she said. "We need more games against each other to help them grow their rugby, so women's rugby can get better.
"The more games we play against other countries, just the more rugby, the better. The more diverse rugby, even better."
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