It’s been three tremendous years under the Poroporo banner with one women’s team and now the club wants to branch out.

With the core of the 2024 squad returning next year and eager to be part of the premiership competition, the club are after players to fill a post in the championship side.

They are also seeking any players who are keen to join the premiership team and test themselves against the best in the region.

Coach Geri Paul, who is entering her fourth season in charge, said all players were welcome.

“We welcome anybody wanting to give rugby a crack. We’re hoping to have a championship team for the more social players or ones who are really new to the game and then a premiership team for players who want to test themselves.

“Whether they have played before and are returning, new to the region or new to the sport, we’d love to have them on board.”

Paul said their premiership team would be the smaller of the two, so players could come up into the side if needed, or if they wanted a change.

“I just want to run 22 players. The championship team is allowed more. We can bring players up, but they can’t go down, so it’s better we have a slightly smaller squad.”

Paul said she had most of her forward pack returning next year, and it was just a few spots in the backs she needed to fill.

“I have a few players who have indicated they aren't playing next year or would be in the championship side and there’s a couple I am unsure of, but that's in a good way.

“There will always be space for them if they change their mind as they are a big part of the club and team. For now, I am after mostly backs but won't turn anyone down.”

Since its inception in 2022, the club has improved every season, and it made the semifinals of the Baywide competition this year but narrowly missed out on a post in the final.

Paul’ has moulded them into a fantastic side and many of the players have gone on to play for the Volcanix and others including Fredom Marou, Amanda Wilshier, Chevarne Croucher, Ihimana Herewini, Emma Birkett, Phoenix Paniora, Kesha Church, Hayley Church, Jordyn Tihore and Kokako Raki.

Others, such as Hera Eruera, Shykauda Church, Paretaapua Tipene and Fern Nixon, have made Bay age grade teams, showing how successful the team have been.

Former Black Fern Kendra Reynolds played for the club in 2023, and it is also home club of Mahina and Mererangi Paul, despite the duo being based in Tauranga and Counties, respectively.

Paul said it had helped get women’s rugby back on the map in the Eastern Bay and had provided a pathway for many.

“We’re hoping to slowly get into things before Christmas, so then after Christmas we can be up and running and have plans in place about how we want to play.”
She said early indications were positive for getting two sides out on the park.  
For next year, Paul will be joined by Eddie Lambert, who was a key figure in helping start the team three years ago, Kris Falwasser and Tony Hurinui.

"It has been such a pleasure coaching with Hayden Church the past two years, but his work commitment has gotten bigger. I loved his passion for the game."

The second team will be coached by Nellie Hape and Manuel Manuel, who held a get-together earlier this month that attracted new talent.
Anyone wanting to play for the team can contact them on Facebook.