Women’s rugby final today

Before the big boys take to the field this weekend for the 2012 CITC club rugby grand finals – the spotlight will be squarely on the vaine toa rugby players.

Today the Vaka Te Au O Tonga women’s rugby 10s team will face Takitumu in what should be a hotly contested match at the BCI Stadium kicking off at 5.40pm after the under 16 grade grand final between the Titikaveka Bulls and Arorangi Cowboys at 4.30pm.

The community at large is encouraged to get along to the game and support players in the growing sport of women’s rugby.

Running alongside the men’s weekly competition – the women’s 10s tournament was run in a round robin format between Vaka Te Au O Tong, Vaka Puaikura and Vaka Takitumu to decide the top two teams for today’s grand final.

Takitumu includes Olympic sprinter Patricia Taea, big running forward Jojo Iro, hard tackling Koti Iro and tough go-forward player Tai Ngari.

National women’s rugby sevens representatives dominate the Vaka Te Au O Tonga team –young CISA student Marissa Iroa, Taromi Urirau and standoff playmaker Julz Westrupp. They will be supported by slow and steady Puru Samania, Vaine Urirau and speedster Teiti Tupuna.

Vaka Te Au O Tonga – Jules Westrupp, Marrisa Iroa, Taromi Urirau, DD Nicholas, Harriet Raui, Sophie Tangaroa, Puru Samania, Vaine Urirau, Tutai Samania, Jean Nicholls, Toru Mateariki.