Black Ferns co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu faces an uncertain recovery timeline following a serious injury sustained during last Saturday’s Super Rugby Aupiki match, where Hurricanes prop Ngano Tavake received a season-ending suspension for the tackle that caused the incident.
The injury occurred in the 33rd minute of the match at the All In Round in Pukekohe when Tavake executed a croc roll—a move prohibited by World Rugby since two years ago due to its potential to cause long-term harm. The croc roll involves laterally rolling, twisting, or pulling a player who is on their feet in the tackle area to the ground, often impacting the lower limbs. During the play, Tavake cleaned Tukuafu out at a ruck, twisting and landing on her left leg, which left the Chiefs Manawa captain in visible distress on the field.
Referee Marcus Playle initially issued a yellow card to Tavake, but this was soon upgraded to a red, resulting in her immediate dismissal from the match. The 24-year-old, who has represented Manawatū in 38 games and played seven matches for the Hurricanes Poua since 2022, was subsequently handed a three-game suspension, ruling her out for the remainder of the regular season. Tavake is the second player suspended during this Aupiki season, joining Black Ferns lock Maama Vaipulu, who is currently serving her third and final week of suspension following a separate red card incident.
The Chiefs confirmed that Tukuafu, 29, will miss the upcoming weekend’s game but have not yet provided details regarding the length of her absence. The injury came during a milestone match for Tukuafu, marking her 100th first-class appearance. She had opened the scoring in the game, with Chiefs Manawa leading 14-3 at the time, but the side eventually lost 34-29.
Tukuafu’s potential long-term absence represents a significant setback for both her club and the Black Ferns. The Chiefs Manawa are currently winless at the bottom of the Super Rugby Aupiki ladder, while the Black Ferns face a busy international schedule. Tukuafu is among the most experienced players in the New Zealand national team with 39 test caps, trailing only Georgia Ponsonby (40), Maiakawanakaulani Roos (41), and co-captain Ruahei Demant (56) in appearances. She has been noted for her physicality and work rate throughout the current Super Rugby season.
The Black Ferns recently concluded the Pacific Four Series on a high note, securing wins over the United States, Canada, and Australia under new coach Whitney Hansen. The team is scheduled to return to action in August with a series of matches that include a game against a Black Ferns XV in Upper Hutt on August 14, the O’Reilly Cup second leg versus the Wallaroos in Auckland on August 22, and a visit to Johannesburg to face South Africa on September 5. Following these fixtures, the Black Ferns will begin the inaugural WXV Global Series with matches across Europe, facing France, Scotland, and England before hosting France in a three-test home series in October.