23/07/2026
TAUMARUNUI BULLETIN 23rd July 2026
There are some nights in sport that are remembered for the scoreline.
Then there are nights that are remembered for what they mean.
Last Friday was one of those nights.
After weeks of hard work, commitment and determination, the newly formed 2026 Taumarunui Wāhine Toa finally took to the field in front of an incredible home crowd. For many of the women, it wasn't just about playing rugby. It was about challenging themselves, representing their whānau, inspiring their children and proving that it is never too late to pull on the boots and give something new a go.
The atmosphere at Cherry Grove was something truly special. Supporters lined the sidelines, families gathered together, and there was a genuine feeling that the whole community had come together to support these wāhine.
One of the most memorable moments of the evening came before kick-off, as the players proudly ran onto the field hand-in-hand with their children. It was a powerful reminder that this team represents so much more than rugby. It represents mothers, daughters, sisters, partners and role models. It was a moment filled with pride, emotion and connection that many in attendance will never forget.
As one supporter described it, "Everything about this evening with the team was just beautiful. It felt like a real family." Another simply summed it up by saying, "It was so cool seeing the ladies out there representing Taumarunui."
The players certainly looked the part. Dressed in their striking pink playing strip, matching scrunchies and designed uniforms for the wahine, they stepped onto the field looking every bit like a team. While some may see those as small details, they mattered.
Creating environments where women feel valued helps confidence flourish, and every effort had been made to ensure these wāhine felt special from the moment they pulled on the jersey.
When the rugby began, Wāhine Toa rewarded all of that hard work with an unforgettable opening tournament, remaining unbeaten across both matches. They opened the evening with a commanding 15–0 victory over Coast RFC before backing it up with another impressive performance to defeat Taupō Women 17–10.
While the two wins were a fantastic reward for the weeks of preparation, the scoreboard told only part of the story. The real success was seeing women of all ages and backgrounds step onto the rugby field together, supporting one another, representing their whānau with pride, and proving that women's rugby is alive and thriving in Taumarunui.
Head coach Matt Lord praised the effort shown by everyone involved.
"Great effort everyone on the night. Thank you to everyone for your effort on and off the pitch to make the evening run so smoothly."
Like many involved, Matt admitted it was difficult to put into words just what the evening meant. He also acknowledged the courage shown by every player.
"I know how scared so many of them were, but they would never have known that by the way they all got out there and gave their everything for one another."
He believes that is exactly what makes rugby so special.
Former Black Fern Les Elder, who also took the field alongside the team, described the evening as one she won't soon forget. "I'm struggling to come down from the high of tonight. That was so cool and I'm just so, so proud of everyone."
For Les, the evening wasn't simply about the rugby that was played, but about witnessing women from all walks of life come together to support one another and create something truly special for their community.
"That's what's so special about rugby. It's a game that welcomes everyone, and it asks you to put your body on the line for the mate beside you. You all did that, and you should be so proud of yourselves."
Perhaps the greatest achievement of the evening wasn't the two victories, it was the number of women who stepped outside their comfort zones and simply gave rugby a go.
For several players, this was the first time they had ever taken the field in a rugby match. By the end of the night, they had earned something that can never be taken away. They are now rugby players.
The Wāhine Toa environment has been built on encouragement, inclusion and connection. Experienced players have welcomed newcomers with open arms, women have returned to the game after years away, and lifelong friendships have quickly formed through a shared passion for representing their community.
Behind the scenes, the guidance of head coach Matt Lord, Vitale Perez, former Black Ferns Karli Faneva and Les Elder has helped create an environment where every player feels supported, valued and capable of achieving more than they thought possible. Their experience, leadership and genuine care for the team have given players the confidence to step onto the field, regardless of their rugby background.
While there were plenty of nerves before kick-off, those feelings quickly turned into excitement as the first whistle blew. The focus soon shifted from individual fears to playing for the teammate beside them, enjoying the moment and embracing everything that makes rugby such a unique game. That is the true spirit of Wāhine Toa.
This team isn't simply about winning rugby matches. It's about creating opportunities for women to reconnect with sport, improving health and wellbeing, building confidence, strengthening friendships
and showing the next generation what courage, resilience and community truly look like.
Judging by the smiles on the players' faces, the children proudly running alongside their mums, the overwhelming support from the sidelines and an unbeaten opening tournament, Wāhine Toa has already achieved something far greater than two victories.
They have reignited women's rugby in Taumarunui, inspired the next generation and reminded the community just how powerful sport can be when it brings people together, especially for our wahine.
The journey continues this Friday, when Wāhine Toa travel to Te Kūiti for the second round of the King Country Senior Wāhine 10s competition. Games get underway from 6.30pm, and after an unbeaten opening night, the team will be looking to continue building on the momentum. The players would love to see another strong show of support from the Taumarunui community.
