Tasman Makos' manager Jenelle Strickland says she feels more like the players' big sister, rather than their mother.
"The guys are well-rounded and fun to be around and they have made it easy for me," the 29-year-old said.
Strickland started in the role this year, after a stint working as the team's
professional development manager in 2007, and is the only female manager in the Air New Zealand Cup.
As manager she deals with administration matters and disciplining the team, which luckily she has not had to do this season.
"The guys don't get into trouble, which is nice. Is there some wood around here to touch?" she joked. "My job is to do everything else so players can concentrate on playing and coaches can concentrate on coaching."
Strickland first fell in love with rugby when she was 7.
"I went along to a game with my granddad and dad and ever since then I've loved it."
Originally from the central North Island, Strickland moved to Nelson when she was 15 before attending Massey University to complete a Sports Management degree.
"I've always wanted to be involved in sports - and administration was my strength rather than playing. Then when I went to Manawatu Rugby Union for a placement during uni, I thought rugby was the sport I want to get involved in, I loved the environment."
Managing the Makos was challenging but Strickland likes it.
While the "boys would be boys at times", Strickland said she was not treated any differently to any of the coaching or management staff - which meant entering the changing room domain.
"The guys are pretty used to having women around - they've always had a female in the environment - there's always the physio (Candace Donovan) or me around. I feel perfectly comfortable around them."
This season has been personally rewarding for Strickland, who has relished seeing the Makos reap success in the competition, including their first defeat of Auckland last month.
"The guys have grown a lot and I've really enjoyed it this year. It's cool to see them achieve some really great goals."
