Liana Mikaele-Tu’u has solidified her standing as a premier loose forward globally while playing for Harlequins in the PWR league.
With 35 appearances for the Black Ferns, she is recognized among the top ten athletes for her number of carries and within the top twenty for her tackling performance.
Moreover, the 23-year-old has developed into a dependable target at lineouts, a skill she hadn’t previously showcased, alongside a new focus on conserving her energy. The PWR competition extends for double the duration of Super Rugby Aupiki, and Mikaele-Tu’u acknowledges that adjusting to the increased demands has taken some time.
“My usual approach is to play intensely constantly. Occasionally, we only engage in one contact session per week due to persistent soreness preventing us from continuous contact drills,” Mikaele-Tu’u clarified. “Nevertheless, I manage to incorporate my contact work. I truly enjoy contact. I’ve had to reduce its frequency,” she chuckled.
As the regular season approaches its conclusion with five games remaining, Harlequins occupy the fourth position in the league table, holding a record of five victories, four losses, and a thrilling 38-38 tie with Exeter Chiefs on February 8th.
Match Summary 
During that specific game, England national player Lagi Tuima secured a try in the final moments, allowing Harlequins to earn a portion of the available points. Just ten minutes prior, Mikaele-Tu’u had herself driven through for a try, contributing to the late surge.
Harlequins have frequently begun matches slowly this season; however, when they perform cohesively, their peak performance is quite remarkable.
“My entry into the game was after 42 minutes. The physical toll from that particular match exceeded that of playing full 80-minute games. We spent the final ten minutes deep in their territory, executing quick taps, pick-and-go maneuvers, with our forwards battling intensely. It truly was an incredible rally,” Mikaele-Tu’u noted.
“I thoroughly enjoy our loose forward combination because each of us brings a distinct style. Alex Callender embodies absolute grit, displaying an intense, relentless energy, which is ideal for a flanker. Aoife Wafer has developed into one of my closest companions. She is exceptional globally, always charging directly, full of momentum, and willing to impart her expertise.”
The Irish international player Wafer delivered an outstanding performance in Harlequins’ latest fixture. Even with her 33 carries, a try, and four turnovers against the undefeated Gloucester-Hartpury, she was unable to stop her team from suffering a 45-21 defeat. Mikaele-Tu’u also contributed a try and assisted in achieving a flawless 100% lineout completion rate, upholding the league’s highest season-long success rate (85.8%).
“Gloucester operates as a highly disciplined unit. Their set pieces were precise, and their ruck speeds are unmatched by any other squad, rendering them extremely challenging to contain. Saracens heavily defeated us earlier in the season. I anticipate that our next encounter will yield a different outcome, as we won’t be taken by surprise,” Mikaele-Tu’u stated.
“I’ve genuinely appreciated the strong focus on set pieces in this environment. Given the often unideal weather conditions, perfecting them is crucial. Consistent practice with lineouts has significantly developed my playing style. In my home country, I was primarily involved in running from lineouts. Here, I actively participate as a jumper and occasionally as a caller.
“In New Zealand, our playing style is highly expansive. It involves a game centered on possession, characterized by advanced skills and considerable risk. It has been intriguing to observe the equilibrium maintained between tactical kicking and an aggressive offensive approach.”
With an expanded array of capabilities, Harlequins are poised to become a formidable contender in the upcoming playoffs. Despite accumulating 17 yellow cards across ten matches and failing to defeat the three teams positioned above them, they have successfully recorded 50 tries and feature the most prominent figure in English women’s rugby currently, Ellie Kildunne.
“To us, Ellie is simply Ellie. She maintains a very relaxed demeanor. We rarely encounter her external media engagements, and she refrains from flaunting them, which I admire. She is straightforward to play alongside, provided we create opportunities for her,” Mikaele-Tu’u commented.
Even though the Black Ferns were eliminated from the Rugby World Cup 2025 following a 34-19 loss to Canada in the semi-finals, Mikaele-Tu’u herself had a strong personal performance throughout the competition. She earned the player of the match title in the Black Ferns’ prior 54-8 pool stage win against Spain in York and placed within the top 20 participants for both tackles and offloads during the tournament.
The individual honored as the 2024 Black Ferns Player of the Year anticipates collaborating with the recently appointed national coach, Whitney Hansen. This collaboration comes as the Black Ferns get ready for a significant ANZAC Day test match versus Australia, the Pacific Four tournament, the WXV Global Series, and a three-game Test series hosted in New Zealand against France scheduled for October.
“My professional relationship with Whitney began during the 2022 Rugby World Cup. She shares a resemblance with Alan Bunting, possessing a profound concern for the athletes, characterized by a philosophy that prioritizes individuals.
“Her approach is highly inventive, receptive to input from players, and encourages extensive dialogue. She consistently seeks cutting-edge advancements. She radiates positivity. I am eager to see the contributions she will make to our team’s performance and overall environment.”
Sale Sharks Women
Harlequins Women
