Black Fern re-signs with Chiefs
Taumata has impressive start to international career
SRUGBY
even-cap Black Fern, and world cup winner, Te Puke’s Santo Taumata has re-signed with the Waitomo Chiefs Manawa for the 2023 Super Rugby Aupiki competition.
At only 19, Santo has had an impressive start to her international career.
The Rangiuru and Bay of Plenty prop made her debut for the Waitomo Chiefs Manawa against Matatu¯ during the inaugural Super Rugby Aupiki season this year and went on to debut for the Black Ferns against Australia.
She was awarded Emerging Player of the Year for her efforts during the 2022 Farah Palmer Cup season as well as Female Club Player of the Year at the 2022 Zespri Bay of Plenty Rugby Awards.
The teenager put in superb performances for the Black Ferns during their Rugby World Cup campaign, providing physicality off the bench throughout the competition which proved a key part in the success of the side.
Waitomo Chiefs Manawa head coach Crystal Kaua says: “Santo is a powerhouse.
Her speed off the ground, her intent with ball in hand, the smile on her face when she bunts someone, and her freight-train tackles see her as a talent on both sides of the ball.
“At 19, to be a tighthead prop for the Black Ferns at a World Cup speaks volumes of her ability and also how she handles pressure and thrives in it, makes her unique.
“Combine that with her deep love, respect and care for her parents, her humour and quick wit, and her offfield connections with the players and staff, she has a bright future on and off the field.”
Santo says she has enjoyed every second playing alongside the amazing wa¯hine toa and she is looking forward to getting out there and playing next season.
Also re-signing for the Waitomo Chiefs Manawa is former Rangiuru Tynealle Fitzgerald.
Tynealle started her rugby career successfully in Sevens, bringing home gold with the U18 New Zealand
Sevens team at the 2018 Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires.
The following year she toured Japan with the Black Ferns Sevens Development, earning selection with her outstanding performances at the
Red Bull Ignite7s event.
Later that year Tynealle made the shift into 15s, signing with Bay of Plenty for the Farah Palmer Cup competition.
In her third season with the Volcanix, she was awarded Players’ Player of the Year at the 2022 Zespri Bay of Plenty Rugby Awards.
The Waitomo Chiefs Manawa season will kick off on Saturday 25 February against the Hurricanes Poua in Levin.
BRIDGE
Te Puke Bridge Club November 14 — November Pairs, Session 1. 1st Byrta Wagstaff/david Munro, 2nd Janet Burrett/cecily Munro, 3rd June Day/theo Stempher. November 18 — St Andrews Pairs, Session 2. 1st Eddie Paterson/eric Mcewan, 2nd Margaret Mcdonald/dianne Butler, 3rd Janet Burrett/david Munro. Overall winners: Margaret Mcdonald/dianne Butler.
LAWN BOWLS
Te Puke Bowling Club November 3 Friday Rollup: 1st Paul Martelletti/lorraine Mcdonnell/georgina Gibbons, 2nd Craig Nutt/warren Ingall/ Paddy Carr, 3rd Bill Talboys/ Haki Ahomiro/gail Wood
GOLF
Te Puke Golf Club
November 16 Nine Hole Stbd: Barbara Brown 26, Bronwyn Loynes 22, Joan Shand 21,
Elaine Tong 19, Penny Stickland 19, Jackie Merritt 18, June Day
18.
Hidden holes: Jackie Merritt and Barbara Brown. Longest putts: Jenny Eglinton and Elaine Tong.
November 19 Stbd: Helen Cartwright 20, Marie Flexman 19, Jackie Merritt 18, June Day
17. Hidden holes: Helen Cartwright and Lyn Crone. Longest putt: Lyn Crone.
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