Ki o Rahi duo gain New Zealand selection

The recent efforts of two King Country Ki o Rahi players shows the sport is on the rise.

Te Kuiti High School’s Potahi McTanish and Hamilton Girls’ High School’s Libby Kearins-Te Whare stood out at the National Secondary School Championships in Rotorua last month, earning themselves selection in the New Zealand Secondary Schools Ki o Rahi team to play a series of matches later in the year.

Potahi and Libby were standouts for their team and Nano Te Whare, who coaches Potahi and is the dad of Libby, said both deserved their selection.

“They both train hard and played super well. It’s great for our small area to get players in the New Zealand set up. I am very proud of both.

“They had to make a lot sacrifices, so to see them in New Zealand teams is awesome. It is great for our region.”

They head away to a camp in October on Labour Weekend where they will play a series of matches against various teams.

Potahi, who is year 13 at Te Kūiti High School, said making the New Zealand team had been a real honour.

“I was surprised. Stoked but surprised.

“I had played the sport a little bit at Piopio College but since I have moved here to Te Kūiti High School, I got much more involved with the sport. I love it. It’s a great challenge.

“It was something new and I really enjoy playing against some strong players.”

Making the New Zealand squad was not something Potahi was expecting following the tournament.

“It was a pretty cool present in my last year at school. I am super chuffed.”

It was her second year of nationals, so to make the team was a special achievement against players who have taken part in the sport for much longer.

“It’s one of my favourite sports. It’s great being a mixed sport and just the challenge of it.”

Libby said the tournament was of a high quality and while the New Zealand selection caught her by surprise, she’s hungry for more of it going forward.

“Yeah, I was not expecting it at all, but I am super stoked to have made it. It’s going to be an awesome challenge for me.

“I thought I was hearing things for a second there.”

Libby has been playing the sport for a couple of years and was introduced to the sport through her dad.

“It’s good he got me involved. I enjoy it.”

Libby’s highlight from the nationals in April was making the New Zealand team and she’s hoping to perform well at the junior nationals in Wellington.

“I definitely want to beat dad’s team in that, well at least finish higher than them.”