Rugby: Schoolgirls have Volcanix class

Hika Reid. Photo / NZH

Three Rotorua Girls' High School students have been selected for the Bay of Plenty Volcanix women's rugby side.

Sorrento Bockman-Rurehe, Natalie Delamere and Ashley Nathan will bolster the 24-strong squad, captained by Arataki's Takiri Butler.

Other schoolgirls Luka Connor (Opotiki High School), Tamia Dinsdale (Te Puke High School) and Ruta Wall (Taupo-nui-a-tia College) also made the cut.

The Volcanix side includes six Waikite club players to contest this year's national provincial championship. Pere Paul and former All Black Hika Reid, will coach the side.

"Prior to selecting the final squad of 24 players to represent the Bay of Plenty Volcanix team in the 2014 WPC First Division campaign, players attended trainings and camps and went through rigorous testing, fitness, conditioning and skill sessions," said Paul.

"It was definitely encouraging to see the positive attitudes of players as they supported the challenges and were able to learn new techniques and skills to adapt."

Coaches, management and players had accepted team expectations and the need to uphold the "kawa" - expectations and non-negotiable agreed protocols - of the team set down at the two-day camp in early August, he said.

"This aligns with our team culture whilst also upholding the values and protocols of the BOP Rugby Union at all times when representing the Bay of Plenty Volcanix team."

Butler and vice-captain Calli Turner (Arataki) were chosen for their experience, said Paul.

"Both players bring a wealth of experience to their respective roles and are excited about leading the ladies into this campaign."

Bay of Plenty chief executive Mike Rogers said it was encouraging to see secondary school girls stepping up into this national competition.

"This reflects how strong the Bay of Plenty secondary schools competition is as well as highlights the pathway for our young female players," he said.

"It is great to have a team back in the provincial championship with a strong management team, including former All Black Hika Reid, to getting the team back on the national stage."