Chiefs Manawa visit Te Awamutu and Huntly schools
The Chiefs Manawa squad visited four schools in Te Awamutu and Huntly on Friday to connect and engage with the community, meet fans and inspire the next generation of rugby players.
Te Awamutu College alumnus Chyna Hohepa was one of the players who visited her former school.
The former Black Ferns Sevens star was joined by Seina Saito, Charmaine Smith, Renee Holmes, Bitila Tawake, Veisinia Fakalelu, Grace Kukutai and Apii Nicholls.
They ran skills and drills sessions with students and a question-andanswer session so the students could learn more about the players and the paths they have taken to become professional athletes.
Both the Chiefs Manawa and Gallagher Chiefs will continue to engage with the community throughout their respective Super Rugby seasons to give back to those who support the teams.
Te Awamutu College girl’s rugby coach Kura Falleni said the admiration on the girls’ faces was priceless.
“It was just such a great reward for aspiring female rugby players to have an opportunity to get alongside their peers,” Falleni said.
“The involvement of each individual spoke louder than words “Their smiles and laughter just showed how much it meant to them” and it was a great way to introduce the Year 9s that could potentially be joining the team this year.
“Especially as we look to try and set the season up to play First XV to include all students at Te Awamutu College.
“The Q&A session went well, with good questions asked and I believe the girls were able to relate to a lot of the situations explained - it was just a great morning to be a part of and a memorable moment at that.”