Jocelyn Franklyn has certainly racked up the kilometres to play rugby this season.

She was playing for Ōpōtiki women’s in the Baywide Women’s Championship – and turning out for Tirihau women’s rugby on the Coast.

That led to selection in the Ngati Porou wahine team that is now top of the standings in the Women’s Heartland Competition, featuring King Country, Thames Valley, Whanganui and Wairarapa Bush.

Franklyn made her debut for the East Coast in their 35-19 victory over King Country.  

Although she has travelled lots, being based in Gisborne, Franklyn would happily do it all again.

“Some weekends it was hard but without my family’s support and push and the Ōpōtiki ladies help they all gave me, it would’ve been a lot harder.”

Rugby is a sport she first picked up about five years ago.

“I first started playing rugby in 2020 for Whakatāne High School. I played for them for two years and was then asked by Helena Coughlan if I wanted to give women’s rugby a go. I played one season with Ōpōtiki women’s, then was picked to play for BOP under 18s and have since had another two years with Ōpōtiki. This year I also decided to play for Tihirau women’s rugby.”

Despite having moved away, playing for Ōpōtiki was an easy choice.

“I always enjoy the seasons with Ōpōtiki, always good to meet the new faces that come into our team, the bond we have between one another, the love they share towards you. The new skills you pick up, this team ain’t just my friends but they have become my family.”

She said the opportunity to play for Ngati Porou was too good to pass up.

“I played for Tihirau victory club this season and travelled the East Coast then was lucky enough to be picked to trial for NPEC.”

Franklyn, 20, is enjoying playing alongside new people.

“A lot of new faces to meet and more skills to learn and new people to play alongside but other than that love it.”

Equally at home on the side of the scrum or in the midfield, Franklyn would love to one day play Super Rugby Aupiki.

“I want to work hard and play my best in every game and hopefully one day get picked to play in a super rugby women’s team.”

Her East Coast team plays Wanganui this weekend.