Farah Palmer Cup squad announced
Waikato have announced their squad for the revamped Farah Palmer Cup national women’s rugby competition, with Black Ferns prop Sosoli Talawadua named as the new captain.
Talawadua is one of four Black Ferns in the 29-strong squad, with Stacey Waaka, Toka Natua and Chelsea Alley the others who will be set to rejoin following World Cup duties in Ireland (August 9-26).
The Farah Palmer Cup kicks off the following weekend, and despite there being nine teams this year rather than eight, it will again feature seven rounds before semifinals, with the final on the last weekend of October. Tasman and Hawke’s Bay are the new sides joining the competition, while Otago has dropped out.
Waikato will be out to make amends for missing the semifinals last year, and have named a new-look side, with 14 of their 29 players in their first season with the province.
From the five clubs which competed in this year’s competition, runners-up University have the most representatives, with 12, while winners Hamilton Old Boys have nine. Hamilton Marist provide four, newcomers Otorohanga have three and Southern United contributes one.
Talawadua returns to play a full season this year after limited game time last season when recovering from injury, while also returning to the fold is Ariana Bayler, who has overcome injuries which have sidelined her since 2014.
The Wayne Maxwellcoached side will open their campaign on Saturday, September 2 in Blenheim against Tasman, and will be clad with a new front of jersey sponsor, with SKYCITY Hamilton coming on board.
It is the first time the team has had an official sponsor,
‘‘TheWayne Maxwell-coached side will open their campaign on Saturday, September 2.’’
and general manager of SKYCITY Hamilton, Michelle Baillie, said they were delighted to lend their support.
‘‘SKYCITY Hamilton is thrilled to be with the Waikato Rugby Union again this year through sponsoring the Waikato women’s team. We are proud to promote women in sport and this is a great follow up to our support of women’s cricket through the SKYCITY Hamilton Northern Premier League.’’
WAIKATO FARAH PALMER CUP SQUAD:
Tyler Reid, Grace Houpapa, Kate Anderson, Tanya Kalounivale, Natalie Delamare, Mikhayla Tainui-
Sosoli Talawadua, Stacey Waaka, Toka Natua, Chelsea Alley.
FIXTURES:
Sat, Sep 2, v Tasman, Blenheim, kickoff TBC
Thurs, Sep 7, v Counties Manukau, ECOLight Stadium, Pukekohe, 5.05pm
Sat, Sep 16, v Wellington, Marist Park, Hamilton, 2.45pm
Fri, Sep 22, v Manawatu, away venue TBC, 5.05pm
Sat, Sep 30, v Bay of Plenty, Marist Park, Hamilton, 2.45pm
Sun Oct 8, v Canterbury, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, 2.05pm
Fri, Oct 14, v Auckland, away venue TBC, kickoff TBC Sat, Oct 21, Semifinals Sat, Oct 28, Final