Women’s rugby continues to go from strength to strength at the Ranga with the introduction of an Under 17 team in 2024.

With the Belles moving from 10-aside to the premier development competition and the reintroduction of the Under 15 team, this is another step in the right direction as the club strengthens its claim as the home for women’s players in East Auckland.

The under 17 rugby is the pinnacle of junior girls rugby in Auckland and provides a valuable stepping stone between Under 15s and senior rugby.

With the success of local players in recent years it is expected the Ranga will field an exciting team in 2024.

Belles Coach and PURC Operations Manager Matt Clark encourages former Ranga junior players, and those new to the game to get involved.

“For the past 12 months our club has shown that women and girls rugby is very much at the forefront of our thinking and an integral part of our future success.

“We take a very player-centred approach to this space and focus on creating a welcoming, fun environment that fosters development. The outcome is players having the tactics and skills to achieve on the field and have an enjoyable experience at the same time.

Matt’s hope is to align the Under 17 programme with the Belles in what is likely to be a mutually beneficial experience.

“Traditionally we have had very talented girls come through, but not enough to build a programme around, or a senior team for them to be built around, whereas now we have both, so hopefully some junior girls, who have been Pakuranga all the way through, opt to finish what many of them started in U5s!”

We saw a record amount of Ranga or former Ranga players selected in representative teams last year at Auckland Thunder, Under 18 and Under 16 level. Showing that you can represent Pakuranga & still stamp your mark at a representative level, which is incredibly exciting for 2024 recruiting.

Anyone interest in Playing Under 17s for Pakuranga in 2024 is encouraged to reach out to Matt on 021498266, or email operationsmanager@purc.co.nz.

Article added: Friday 16 February 2024