Ravens ooze raw talent, experience

Growing and exposing women’s rugby is the drive behind the Titikaveka Rehab Ravens sevens team which features three New Zealand Black Ferns world cup winners, former Black Ferns and two Cook Islands national netballers.

Captain Vania Lavea says that while they haven’t done too much training as a team – the team has a wealth of talent and experience on their side.

The players come from club teams across New Zealand including the Auckland Marist Club, Ponsonby Club and Manurewa Rugby Club.

“We’ve got a couple of young girls in our side too that we are keen to get some exposure,” says Lavea.

Lavea herself is a former Black Fern along with fellow team mate Theresa Te-Tamaki, and Lavea’s sister Justine, also part of the Ravens, is part of this year’s New Zealand women’s world cup winning team.

She is joined by fellow champion team mates Aroha Savage and Renee Witcliff.

Adding some local flavour to the side are Delhi Commonwealth Games national netballers Poomaikelani Matapo and Luciana Matenga.

Matenga has returned home every year with a rugby team and was part of last year’s winning women’s team while Luciana Matenga is easily the island’s most recognised sportswoman who adapts to any sport.

The Ravens are sponsored by Rehab the hottest night spot on the rock, and the Titikaveka community.

For the young rising stars of women’s rugby – this is your opportunity to rub shoulders with the world’s best and improve your rugby.