Uawa under-13 rugby team end season unbeaten at Taupō junior festival

The Uawa u13 side, who have enjoyed an unbeaten season in Poverty Bay JAB rugby and remained undefeated at the NZ Junior Rugby Festival played at Taupō, consisted of (front, from left) Mahaki Chambers, Leighton Aupouri, Mere Kahu Matahiki, Mere-Kaya Te Tai, Bayleigh Tuhaka, Tennesse Sinton, (middle row) Bèjhon-Maadi Kaitai, Luca Pell, Uruao Fairlie, Patrick Trafford, Raniera Morice Chambers, Drake Brown, Taonga Te Puni, Jacob Swann-Finau, Damieson Castle, Tyshon Rangiwai, (back) manager Rebecca Trafford, Nathan Vanbeelen, Eia Maaka, Natejah Rickus, Uira Reihana, Jahzyah Tawera, Lakynn Barber-Hautapu.

The Uawa u13 team have gone out in a blaze of glory, returning home undefeated in five matches at the NZ Junior Rugby Festival played at Taupō’s Owen Delany Park last weekend.

The players, most of whom have played together since they were 4 or 5, have played their last match together as they go to high school next year.

The side took out the u13 Regional Team of the Festival Award, which is judged on “the highest overall points combining performance and sportsmanship including match results and ratings from opposition and referees”.

The event, featuring u10, u11, u12 and u13 competitions, is the country’s biggest junior rugby event, featuring 130 teams, 2000 players and 62 clubs from all over New Zealand.

Uawa defeated Wakatipu 14-7, Paremata-Plimmerton 19-12, Tongariro 32-7, Taupō Sports 38-5 and Waitete, the club made famous by Colin Meads, by 31 to 7.

The tournament followed an unbeaten season for the team in Poverty Bay JAB rugby.

The players’ first shot at the New Zealand Junior Rugby Festival was cut short by Covid-19.

As an under-11 side competing at the tournament, the side were awarded the Best and Fairest Team Award before topping that achievement this year.

Coach Andrew (Traff) Trafford and manager Becs Trafford have run the side since the players originally came together in the Uawa under-6 side.

Their success is a testament to the unwavering commitment of not just the players, but also their whānau and community, Traff Trafford said.

“Many of the young athletes travel up to an hour for weekly practices and games, a commitment matched by their whānau.

“This team’s journey has been supported by their entire community, with messages of support pouring in from local sports teams, police, schools, sponsors, and past players.”

Becs Trafford said the team wanted to play their own style of rugby.

“We were immensely proud that we did it, and the boys and girls remained solid when under pressure, always giving it their very best and playing with integrity,” she said.

“We started simply as a team of kids keen to play rugby,” Traff Trafford said.

“We have ended as one big whānau. We are connected for life.”