New Poroporo recruit Cheyne Copeland has made every post a winner this club rugby season.
The talented and silky skilled back has been selected in the Bay of Plenty Volcanix for the upcoming Farah Palmer Cup campaign.
She is one of two players from Poroporo selected and one of five from the Eastern Bay.

Copeland is joined by veteran hooker Luka Connor, Poroporo teammate flanker Fern Nixon and Rūātoki sisters Te Urupounamu McGarvey and Tawharautia McGarvey.
Former Poroporo and Whakatāne High School star Kokako Raki is also part of the team along with 2024 Poroporo player Jordyn Tihore.
Copeland, who was born and raised in Porirua, is no newcomer to the Farrah Palmer Cup, having previously represented the Wellington Pride. She played 11 games over five years, predominantly at fullback or first five eighth.
This year, with a history of injury and other sports taking up her time, FPC selection wasn’t at the forefront of her mind.

“I’ve been living in Whakatāne for about a year now. I’ve had my fair share of injuries and surgeries - three knee surgeries on the same leg, with the most recent one in 2023.
“After being out for over a year, moving to Whakatāne was like a reset for me - a chance to just enjoy playing sports again. It had been mentally tough and draining, so I needed that refresh.”

“Instead of easing my way back into things, I went all in and signed up for touch, netball, sevens, CrossFit, rugby, and league (though I still haven’t actually played league yet).

“Making the Nix wasn’t a goal of mine at first - my goal was just to enjoy something I was once really passionate about. But as the season went on, I found that spark again. Being back in the rugby environment reignited that drive, and eventually, it became a goal.”

“I’m absolutely excited to be back playing in the Farah Palmer Cup, this time for a different province.”
She’s pleased that her club form for Poroporo led to her selection.

“I was stoked. I had a few doubts leading up to the team naming, but hearing my name called was an amazing feeling.”

During the season, her kicking set up some impressive tries and she wasn’t shy of making tackles or running with ball in hand.

“I really enjoyed it. It was cool being new, with no one knowing who I was or how I played. I’m also at a stage now where I enjoy helping others develop their game.

“Despite the results throughout the season, there’s been so much growth within the team, and that’s been awesome to be a part of.”

Next year she’s hopeful a few more players from the club will also be part of the Volcanix.
“It’s nice having another Poroporo player in the team with me. A big goal for next year is to have even more of our players named, so they can experience this higher-level environment, too.”

The Farah Palmer Cup kicks off on Saturday and the team face Counties Manukau first up, which will feature Mererangi Paul.
On September 6, the Volcanix play at Whakatane’s Rugby Park against the Waikato women.