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FWC: ESP v AUT live on SN Extra‘Coming back to my roots’: Black Ferns star thriving after Hurricanes homecoming
Elena Abbott • July 3rd, 2026 6:00 am
Renee Holmes | Photo: Photosport
Black Ferns veteran Renee Holmes says she feels right at home with her new Super Rugby Aupiki side the Hurricanes Poua, where she feels she's pushing the limits of what she can achieve.
A monumental victory against the Chiefs Manawa on Saturday saw the Poua get off the mark for 2026, sealing a 34-29 upset in Pukekohe.
Hurricanes flyhalf Renee Holmes told Sport Nation Afternoons the win has been a long time coming, crediting her side's discipline and the overall culture in the capital for their success.
"I think we started to finally see some awesome results out on the field because of how well resourced and backed we actually are from the club,” Holmes said.
"It's been two years since this team has been grinding away trying to get a win. And to do it in a historic win against the Manawa, the script’s never done that before.”
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Gisborne-born Holmes believes her relocation to the Poua was timely, admitting she's more at ease since returning to her local team.
“I'm just really excited that I was able to have the opportunity to come down, be free, add value where I can and actually lead and use my voice where it feels valued,” she explained.
Her team isn’t the only change she’s made, with her focus now on perfecting her kicking skills.
Holmes previously played in the fullback position for both the Chiefs Manawa and the Black Ferns, but now wears the No. 10 jersey.
While goalkicking has its inherent pressures, Holmes welcomes the challenge of stepping into the furnace.
“I want to be the best goal-kicker in the world,” she shared.
“I think a lot of people think goal-kicking is pressure, but to me it's privilege pressure. It's something that I love to do, so I actually don't feel pressure when I kick.”
The Poua’s next game is against the Blues Women in Upper Hutt, where they will look to make it consecutive wins in the tightly contested competition.
Listen to the full interview below:
