Selwyn Times: July 14, 2021

Selwyn Times Wednesday July 14 2021
30
SPORT
Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz
‘It’s creating quite a nice culture’
• From page 28
“That’s the beauty of it, they’re
not just playing with their age
groups. It’s creating quite a nice
culture where you’ve got girls
across all the age groups meeting
one another.
“It was something different as
well, girls playing rugby as opposed
to netball and hockey. It’s
girls that have never really been
involved in a team sport before
and they’ve given it a go. We
made it quite clear that if you’re
an absolute beginner that’s okay,
come along and try it.”
Restieaux was also complimentary
of the backing supported by
the CRFU, and sponsors.
“They’re
putting a lot
into trying to
grow the game,
particularly for
women. They
(women) can see
there are some
Chelsea
Bremner
good pathways
now which never
used to be.”
She welcomed
FPC stars visiting schools,
current Canterbury player and
contracted Black Fern Chelsea
Bremner coaches Hornby.
Schools are also aligned to a
club – Villa Maria are paired
with Marist Albion – to further
assist their development through
BALL CARRIER: Elaine Maluafiti eyes a Rangiora defender
as she seeks to make ground for Hornby High School.
PHOTO: GEOFF SLOAN
clinics and know how.
While the girls are not on a
level playing field considering the
private sponsorship emblazoned
on the boys’ jerseys, Restieaux
was content.
“We tend to focus on what
we’re doing in our school and just
wanting to do it really, really well.
I just want the girls to enjoy their
rugby and enjoy being part of the
school environment by playing a
sport for your school.”
An international rugby programme
started by St Bede’s
College led to the formation of
Marian College: Wahine Toa a
composite side also including
players from Rangi Ruru Girls’
School, Catholic Cathedral College
and Burnside High School.
Marian College is St Bede’s
sister school and the programme
also involved female students and
aspiring rugby players.
This season’s squad is a split
of 60 per cent with previous
experience and the remainder are
newcomers. It is the fourth year
the combined team has played in
the competition.
Over that time frame CGHS
has been the dominant force,
though Marian College: Wahine
Toa players still see a pathway to
higher honours.
“We have a couple of girls who
are in contention for that, one in
particular: Manea-Faith Waaka,”
said coach Dave Christison.
She has already represented
Canterbury at under-18 level
and sevens.
Aware the boys’ competition
enjoys a higher profile and has
the benefit of team sponsorship,
Christison insists he does not
view it through green-tinted
glasses.
“No, we’re quite happy. The
boys have a lot more costs associated
with their competition like
transportation, accommodation
and so forth. That’s not an issue
with us,” he said.
“We have the distinct advantage
of all playing in the same
venue at Burnside Park on a
Wednesday.”
In contrast, the 14-team boys’
competition covers a geographical
area from Nelson to Timaru.
Christison welcomed sponsorship
to supplement the CRFU’s
support.
“Since they’ve got sponsorship
they (CRFU) provide a training
day at the beginning of each
season for specialist positions
such as front row. They go
through tackling and safety
issues associated with various
positions,” he said.
“They definitely take it seriously
and without this competition
Canterbury women’s rugby
would not be the strength it is
now.”
Heading into the school
holidays, unbeaten Villa Maria
were level on points with the
CGHS 1stXV, who had a bye
last week. Avonside Girls’ High
School and Marian College:
Wahine Toa rounded out the top
four, while Rangiora High School
and the CGHS 2nd XV are still in
contention for the semi-finals.
“There’s still big gaps between
the top and the bottom teams
but the overall standard has
improved over the years,”
Christison said.
“If you can go and watch a
game you can certainly see some
very good rugby being played.”
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