Albert Park was a pink sea this week when New Zealand Rugby representatives came to check out the girls’ rugby pilot programme at Te Awamutu junior rugby sub-union.
The free programme, run with support from Sport Waikato and the Waikato Rugby Union, aims to increase girls’ participation in rugby across five local clubs: Kihikihi, Ōhaupō, Pirongia, Te Awamutu Marist and Te Awamutu Sports.
The girls-only sessions have been running for several weeks, taking place on Monday night with each event having a festival feel and including music and food.
The programme is directed at girls in Years 3-8 with all levels of playing experience and abilities.
During this week’s visit from NZ Rugby, Waikato women’s FPC players, including Vici-Rose Green, have been leading activities for the children.