Kihikihi get six into women’s rugby squad

Coach Greg Smith’s Waikato’s Farah Palmer rugby squad is dominated by Hamilton Old Boys – but Kihikihi has made a significant contribution.

Emma-Lee Heta, Carla Hohepa, Chyna Hohepa, Kirana Nolan, Merania Paraone and Rina Paraone from the Waipā club make up the second largest contingent from one club alongside University in the 42 women squad. Old Boys have 20 players selected.

The team’s first outing is at Rotorua on Saturday against Bay of Plenty.

Chyna Hohepa, who has played 36 matches for Waikato and was the captain of the team when Waikato won their inaugural Farah Palmer Cup title in 2021, leads the 2023 squad.

It features six current international players. Four 2023 Black Ferns squad members have been named - Renee Holmes, Tanya Kalounivale, Kennedy Simon and Esther Tilo-Faiaoga. All represent Old Boys.

Bitila Tawake and Jade Coates (Old Boys), who both play for Fiji, are also included.

A total of 27 players return from last season’s squad and five players are looking at milestones. Ariana Bayler (Old Boys) is eight games away from joining Victoria Makea and Chelsea Semple as the only Waikato women’s players to have played 50 games for their province.

Another Old Boys grouping - Kennedy Simon, Tanya Kalounivale, Leomie Kloppers and Esther Tilo-Faiaoga could also clock up their 35th appearances this season and be presented with a personalised gameday jersey.

Thirteen players have a chance of making their debut for the province - Hamilton Old Boys players Roelien du Plessis, Aaliyah Konui, Kaea Nepia and Phoenix-Tiaria Todd, Melville’s Sesilia Sakalia and Samantha Wood, Ōtorohanga’s Keighley Brough, University’s Caitlyn Crozier, Te Amo NgataAerengamate and Tawake Bitilia.

“We have carefully chosen a blend of experience and fresh talent, creating a dynamic roster that showcases the depth and versatility of our team,” Smith said.

The Waitomo Group Waikato Farah Palmer Cup Squad is: Mia Anderson, Caitlyn Crozier, Claudia Hobbs, Victoria Makea, Toka Natua, Te Amo NgataAeroengamate (University) Reese Anderson, Ariana Bayler, Jade Coates, Roelien du Plessis, Tafiau Fetalaiga, Vici-Rose Green, Renee Holmes, Tanya Kalounivale, Leomie Kloppers, Aaliyah Konui, Baylee Maniapoto, Ana Marsters, Kaea Nepia, Lonita Ngalu-Lavemai, Leata Puni Lio, Kennedy Simon, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Teira Te Aho, Esther Tilo-Faiaogo, PhoenixTiaria Todd (Hamilton Old Boys) K’Lee Begbie (Putaruru) Keighley Brough, Grace Houpapa-Barrett (Ōtorohanga), Ashlee Gaby-Sutherland, Lela Ieremia, Kaden Moeke, Sesilia Sakalia, Samantha Wood (Melville) Emma-Lee Heta, Carla Hohepa, Chyna Hohepa, Kirana Nolan, Merania Paraone, Rina Paraone (Kihikihi), Bitila Tawake (Fiji) Chantae Wilson-Jenkins (Southern United).

Bev and Brodie have been shopping and that means for them getting in the Murray Hunt Furnishers van and hitting the expressway to Auckland to see what the suppliers have on offer. Now they are back and the three stores, two in Te Awamutu – the gift store at 220 Alexandra St, the BedsRus showroom at 45 Arawata St and of course the original at 63 Maniapoto St, Otorohanga, have new stock on offer. “We like to find new stuff and we go together to bounce ideas and so we can see the quality for ourselves,” says Bev. “Our customers are spoiled for choice for gifts in our stores. When we go shopping we are always thinking of our customers. Mrs so and so would like that, or that would suit such and such. If we can get up there and see the products it makes such a difference.”

The Murray Hunt BedsRus store clientele like to treat themselves.

Let’s go shopping for our clients murray hunt furnishers

“A good bed is a necessity in life as we spend a third of our lives in bed, and so it is something they will spend good money on. Good linen and accessories are the same, and we have a great range in all three stores.”

Customers like the free delivery, the appro and the friendly service.

“We bend over backwards to make our customers experience a nice one, that’s our priority,” says Brodie. “We pride ourselves on great customer service.”