Celebrating the Success of Our Young Stars: Ruatoria Sports Club's JAB Rippa Rugby Season

Kia ora whanau! We have wrapped up our 2024 NPEC JAB Rippa Rugby season. Let's take a moment to applaud the hard work and dedication of our young players, coaches, and supporters.

This season, we were proud to field four teams, each representing the spirit and talent of Ruatoria City. Under the guidance of our coaches, Tracey Carlson (Under 6s), Hinemoa Haua (Under 8s), Chad Chambers (Under 10s), Rena-Deane Goldsmith, and Rawiri Ngarimu (Under 13s), our players have grown both on and off the field.

The journey began back on March 2nd, as we kicked off Round 01 in Whangaparaoa, hosted by TVC. From there, we brought the action home to Whakarua Park on March 9th for Round 02, where our successful kai stall kept everyone fuelled up and ready to go.

*Hinemoa Haua directs the under 8s defensive line during Round 01 in Whangaparaoa.*

Round 03 saw us back at Whakarua Park, this time thanks to Waiapu Rugby Club, followed by a round at Kahuitara on March 23rd, hosted by our neighbours at Hikurangi Sports Club. We then took a break for Easter weekend before concluding the season with the final round in Tokomarua Bay on April 6th, hosted by Waima.

It's been awesome to see our teams compete alongside clubs and teams from across the region. A round of JAB brings together players of all ages and abilities, fostering a sense of whanaungatanga and kotahitanga that extends beyond the field.

Despite the early morning bus rides and autumn frost, our players have risen to the occasion, showcasing their skills and determination with every game. We're proud to say that we have a wealth of talent right here in Ruatoria City, and the future of rugby is looking brighter than ever.

As we bid farewell to the Rippa Rugby season, our focus now turns to the upcoming Term 4 JAB tackle rugby season. If you or someone you know is interested in coaching, please reach out to Jemma Nepia for more information.

And last but not least, we're excited to announce that our teams will be sporting new strips in the upcoming season! We're currently seeking a sponsor to feature prominently on our jerseys. If you're interested in supporting youth rugby in Ruatoria City, please contact us at ruatoriacity@gmail.com.

Thank you to all our players, coaches, volunteers, and supporters for making this season one to remember. Your tautoko and passion are what make Ruatoria Sports Club such a special place.

To our tamariki and mokopuna, thank you for your commitment and for being awesome representatives of our club. You've truly made us proud!