KEEN: Matawehe King, Josie Muraahi, Kelsi Barnett are keen to be part of the Waitete women's rugby team again this year. PHOTO: ANDY CAMPBELL
The Waitete women’s rugby team is hoping to make a step up in intensity this season.
After an introduction to rugby last year saw them play a couple of games against makeshift teams, the club is hoping to attract more players and compete in a proper league this season.
They have their sights set on a spot in the Waikato women’s competition and there have been murmurings of two divisions this year, which plays into the hands of the club.
“It’s looking likely that there is going to be two divisions, which is a major bonus for the competition and the sport in the Waikato because it will help stop the blow-out score lines and hopefully keep women in the game,” Waitete women’s manager Neil Macrae said.
He said the few games worked well last year as an appetizer, as many of the women hadn’t previously played rugby. However, they wanted to make things more serious this season.
“We want to play in the Waikato competition.
“We just need a committed group of about 25 girls to be part of it. This will mean rugby on Saturdays for a few more weeks but hopefully their love of the game and wanting to give it a good crack, makes them commit.
“We won’t turn anybody down at all.
“There’s no age restriction. We just want people who are committed and keen to play rugby.”
Women’s rugby is on a high following the success of the Black Ferns and their 2022 Women’s Rugby World Cup triumph and Macrae is hoping the increased popularity will unearth a few more players.
It’s been 20 years since Waitete last had a women’s team and it folded after about three seasons.
Macrae hopes the two-tier competition may help some other clubs form teams again.
Last year, there was a King Country women’s side, and it will be back in action in 2023.
“It’s a good carrot for the ones who take it seriously and want to play rugby at a slightly higher level and represent the King Country.
“We want to be able to pick players solely from the King Country region.” Macrae said a good chunk of players from last year had indicated their interest for this year but he would like some more.
“We’re trying to get it organised early, so when the season comes round, we are ready. We don’t want to be struggling for players a week out from the season, so we’re being proactive.”
It’s looking like the season will start in early April.
“Hopefully we can get some schoolgirls who want to play some slightly stronger rugby and it doesn’t clash with their school stuff and if there’s any school leavers, who might want to try a different sport or anybody else. Anyone is welcome.”
Kelsi Barnett, who donned rugby boots for the first-time last season, said she loved it.
“There was just this different buzz to the rugby. I have played netball, done rowing and there was a different feeling – the camaraderie among the team was something else.
“I was incredibly nervous when I started but I loved it; the contact of rugby was a huge thrill. It’s good fun. I am hoping to convince a few mates to give it a go.”
Josie Muraahi, who captained the team last year, said she enjoyed the experience. “I am in my 40s and it might sound crazy that I am playing rugby, but I loved it. It was another great way to keep in shape and really step out of my comfort zone. I loved the contact. On the field we were into each other, off it we were having a laugh and that’s what it is about.
“All of us were new to the game but we enjoyed it and the feeling among the team was special.”
Muraahi, who also had the difficult task of playing first five, had no hesitation committing to this season.
“I would love to play more games and some different teams. It’s exciting and hopefully we can get some good committed numbers together to play this season.”
The side will be coached by Wayne Fraser, with Macrae no doubt helping out as well.
A muster will be held next Wednesday, February 1 at 7pm at the Waitete Rugby Club and any new players are welcome.
