Dad’s excellent advice
Valuable life lesson helps spur teenager into Black Ferns made every representative team imaginable. She was named to captain the Youth Olympic Games team last year, but got injured just weeks out.
Tairakena captained the Hamilton Girls High first XV to a national title last September before starring in the gold medalwinning Youth Olympic Games team.
Paul, also a member of the Youth Olympic Games team, has previously represented New Zealand in touch. Originally from Whakatane, Paul completed her schooling in Auckland.
With more than half of the squad under 24 it is balanced with some of the most experienced players in the women’s game.
Captain Sarah Hirini (nee Goss), Tyla Nathan-Wong, Kelly Brazier and Ruby Tui have played in every world series since its inception in 2012. Hirini is the most capped player in the history of the series.
Sevens coach Allan Bunting said the three teenagers have already impressed. At a glance
Black Ferns Sevens squad: Shakira Baker, Michaela Blyde, Kelly Brazier, Gayle Broughton, Rhiarna Ferris, Theresa Fitzpatrick, Huia Harding, Sarah Hirini (nee Goss), Jazmin Hotham, Tyla Nathan Wong, Mahina Paul, Risi Pouri-Lane, Alena Saili, Montessa Tairakena, Terina Te Tamaki, Ruby Tui, Stacey Waaka, Kat Whata-Simpkins, Niall Williams, Tenika Willison, Portia Woodman.