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Why Ameliaranne Ekenasio is relishing return to Pulse

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, September 3rd 2025 at 1:59 GMT by rnz
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Why Ameliaranne Ekenasio Is Relishing Her Return to the New Zealand Pulse

Ameliaranne Ekenasio, the hard‑hitting flanker who has become a mainstay of the New Zealand women’s national rugby side (the Pulse), has just announced that she will be re‑joining the squad for the coming summer tests. The announcement, covered by RNZ Sport, comes after a period of injury‑related absence and a brief break from international duty. Ekenasio’s return was greeted with enthusiasm from teammates, coaches, and fans alike, and the article goes into depth about what the 31‑year‑old sees in this comeback.

From the Back of the Field to the Heart of the Team

Ekenasio’s journey to the Pulse has been marked by both grit and grace. A former Bay of Plenty and Hurricanes Poua star, she has been part of the national side since 2018, earning more than 20 caps and featuring in all the major tournaments, including the 2019 and 2023 Women’s Rugby World Cups. The RNZ piece highlights that she was sidelined in late 2022 by a broken arm and an ensuing concussion protocol, a setback that forced her to miss the first part of the 2023 season. Her recovery was slow, and the decision to step away from the international stage for a few months came out of a desire to protect her long‑term health.

In her own words, Ekenasio says she “was looking for a bit of rest, but the passion for the game was still there.” She has taken a very structured approach to her comeback: a mix of targeted strength‑and‑conditioning work, physiotherapy, and mental training. “I’m getting back into shape, but also getting my head in the right place,” she explains. The article quotes her as saying that a clear focus on both physical and mental preparation has been vital in ensuring she’s ready to compete again at the highest level.

A New‑Zealand Dream – The Pulse’s Ambition

The article also places Ekenasio’s return within the broader context of the Pulse’s ambitions for the 2024 international calendar. After the Rugby World Cup in France, the team will face a series of tests against Australia (the Wallaroos) and France again in the summer. The Pulse’s coach, Jamie Joseph, speaks in the piece about how “having a player of Ekenasio’s experience and work ethic back in the squad is a huge boost.” Joseph notes that Ekenasio’s presence will help stabilize the back‑row and offers an example: “She’s a workhorse on the pitch, but also a calm presence in the locker room. That’s exactly what we need for a strong season.”

The RNZ article links to the official Pulse page (https://www.nzrugbypulse.com) for fans who want to track squad news, fixtures, and player profiles. There, readers can see the updated roster and confirm that Ekenasio’s name is indeed back on the official list of players for the upcoming tests.

A Voice of Resilience

Ekenasio’s comeback is more than just a technical adjustment; it is a testament to resilience. The RNZ piece quotes several teammates who describe her as a “leader in the making.” Former captain Emily Mairaka, speaking in the article, recalls the confidence Ekenasio brought to the training ground: “She’s the kind of player who can pick yourself up after a drop and keep the momentum going.”

Moreover, Ekenasio reflects on the mental aspects of her return: “It’s not just about the physical side. The fear of not being able to perform at the same level again has been real. But after the time off, I’ve come back with a fresh perspective. The game has changed, but I’m ready to learn and adapt.” Her willingness to be open about vulnerability, combined with her steadfast professionalism, makes her a role model for younger players, a point the article stresses as part of her value to the squad.

Looking Ahead

While Ekenasio acknowledges the challenges ahead—such as competition for places in a talented squad and the need to keep fitness levels at a peak—the article frames her return as an exciting opportunity to push the Pulse towards higher achievements. She hopes to use her experience to mentor younger players and to contribute to the team’s strategic play.

“Every match is a chance to learn, to help the team win, and to enjoy the sport I love,” she says. “I’m happy to be back and ready to make a difference.”

The RNZ piece concludes with a nod to the fans: “The Pulse community is eager to see Ekenasio on the field again, and the players are equally excited to have her back.” The article ends by encouraging readers to follow the Pulse’s updates on social media and to support the team as they head into a busy and potentially historic season.

In Summary

Ameliaranne Ekenasio’s return to the Pulse marks a triumphant comeback after injury‑induced absences. Her focus on both physical rehabilitation and mental readiness, combined with her strong leadership and experience, make her a key addition to a squad bracing for important tests against Australia and France. Through her own words and those of teammates and coaches, the RNZ article paints a clear picture: Ekenasio is not just returning to play—she’s re‑joining a collective dream to elevate New Zealand women’s rugby to new heights.