It’s official, women’s rugby is on the rise at the Ranga!

With the 2024 season under way, we have doubled our junior girl registrations from last year – with the introduction of the Under 17 Jadez, the return of our Under 15 tackle, an Under 15 rip team as well as the all-girls Under 5 Penguins rippa team.

This coupled with the Belles entering the Premier Development XV-a-side competition confirmed that it’s an exciting time for the club. The increase in interest and players doesn’t happen by accident and is a combination of hard work from a number of parties.

Director of Rugby Grant ‘Boof’ Henson said a lot of strategic work has happened in the past nine months.

“We have been doing a lot to be more visible in the school space, we have Riley Harrison delivering rugby in schools, through Mike we have linked with the HPPA, we have junior players with their branded school bags and this year introduced free rugby for our new Under 5s,” said Boof.

“We ran a few ‘girls’ day out’ events last year and the start of this year which had great numbers, a really good vibe and definitely contributed to the interest.”

Beyond that, Boof said credit goes to Matt Clark, who coaches the Belles and Jadez, for his tireless effort in connecting with families of former Ranga juniors.

Talented players from the former Under 15s team have returned to form the core of the Jadez team and will be the centre of a bright future for women’s rugby at the Ranga.

“We’ve had a number of people – parents, coaches etc that have worked hard to promote the club and show the vision that we have for women’s rugby that has resulted in these players coming back.”

Ana Kireka has taken on the role of leading the girl’s team over the last month and her involvement, expertise and enthusiasm has been massive to bringing the teams to life.

“It’s important to note that a special thank you to some of the parents at the core of the U15 & U17 who stuck by the Ranga and committed to be a part of the future. Without their buy in, these teams truly wouldn’t exist,” said Matt.

The Belles graduated from 10-a-side rugby to Premier Development in 2024 for continue to be a thriving side within the senior club.

“The work Matt, Manu and Megan have done in that team shows, they love their rugby, the love the club and the bring a great vibe to our senior club,” said Boof.

For several years emerging women’s players from East Auckland have opted to play their club rugby further afield in effort to further their representative chances but the tide has turned with Pakuranga firmly heading in the right direction.
 

Article added: Thursday 16 May 2024