BARNSTORMING: Grace Houpapa-Barrett in action for the Ōtorohanga women’s rugby team in 2022. Photo Lorraine Fox
TAUMARUNUI will always be home to former Black Ferns hooker Grace Houpapa-Barrett.
She is now part of the Chiefs Manawa side that is hosting the final in this weekend’s Super Rugby Aupiki competition, having comfortably dispatched everyone before them in their previous four matches.
First up, they put 50 points past Hurricanes Poua, the following week was another 50-point effort against the Blues, which saw Houpapa-Barrett dot down with a fantastic effort in the corner, and then they defeated Southern Matatū 48-36, with the bullocking hooker once again finding her way across the white line.
In the semifinals, they came up against Hurricanes Poua and continued their strong form with another good win.
This weekend, they face Southern Matatū in the final, who will no doubt be a good challenge and a team Houpapa-Barrett will want to make an impact against as she lines up against a pair of Black Ferns hooker counterparts.
“They are a wildcard and can make anything happen. They are a good team. We just have to focus on our strengths and what we do well.”
She is loving being in the semi-professional environment and, like most of the other ladies, would love to see it turn into a fully fledged professional competition.
“It’s cool learning off all the girls. Luka is playing some fantastic footy and it is great shadowing her and it’s a great atmosphere to be part of. All the girls know what we are trying to form here and want to be part of it. It’s exciting for the team. There’s plenty of laughs and cheeky banter when needed as well to keep the spirits high. It helps the environment as well.”
Houpapa-Barrett would love to get back in black but isn’t looking too far ahead.
“If I have a good season with the Chiefs and then that opportunity comes about then I will take it with both hands and give it another go and go hard, if it doesn’t then I will just head back to club footy and FPC and play as well as I can.
“I am enjoying being with the Chiefs right now, so it’s a case of one team at a time. I am enjoying rugby this year.”
After a couple of seasons with the Ōtorohanga women’s team, the 27-year-old has made a commitment to Manurewa in the Auckland competition.
“I made a commitment to them, so am going to honour it and head up there and play my rugby. I haven’t played in the Auckland competition for about eight years.
“For me, it was about a new challenge and playing with some new teammates and new opponents.
“I will miss the Ōtorohanga girls. That club has a special place in my heart. The King Country heart, you don’t get that anywhere else. I will definitely miss them.”
“When I can I still pop down to help, whether they need a skills session or a running sub I am always there to help out the girls.”
As for Farah Palmer Cup commitments, Houpapa-Barrett said she couldn’t leave the Mooloos yet.
“At the moment I am still red, yellow and black, Waikato but we will have to see what happens. I think I will stay with them; I can’t commit fully to Counties yet. Still got love for the Mooloos.”
She is set to come off the bench in the final with 2022 Super Rugby Aupiki player of the year Connor in front of her.
“I am a bit biased in saying this but it’s great to be at FMG Stadium. It’s one of the best grounds in New Zealand. Taking out the final at home this year would be awesome.”
The target on their back because they haven’t lost makes the team form a special bond.
Growing up, Houpapa-Barrett was a basketballer in Taumarunui as there was no women’s rugby team.
“I went to high school in Hamilton and picked up footy and never really left the Waikato from there. [I’m] based in Hamilton now, but Taumarunui will always be home.”
With footy on in the weekends it is hard to get home, but lots of my family are still down in Taumarunui; they all tune in on the weekends.
“In the off season I love going home and going for an eel, going fishing, hunting and switch everything off.
“Life and rugby mean I don’t get home as much as I like to.”
