Playing for pride

The Avatiu Motor Centre Eels women’s players come from all walks of life – but they share a common love for rugby.

And they are not afraid to get down and dirty in the Avatiu swamp mud with the boys during training.

The team is a mix of young up and coming speedsters and ‘mature’ players who’ve been part of the women’s tournament since its inclusion in the international sevens programme some years back.

And the majority of the players who come from Tupapa, Takuvaine and Avatiu were among the national women’s rugby wider training squad and have spent some time working with renowned Kiwi trainer Keith Roberts.

Toru Mateariki has been keeping the team in training while team organiser Edith Nicholas toured with the first ever women’s rugby squad to Borneo.

Mateariki says the aim for the team has always been to enjoy their rugby and have fun.

Of course beating other teams is a bonus but Mateariki acknowledges that this year’s women’s tournament is going to be tough.

“We are going to play for pride,” says Mateariki.

The team also looks forward to the support from the wider Te-Au-O-Tonga district and thanks Motor Centre for their continued support of the team.