Les Elder is a fierce rugby player who respects the sport she loves. As the captain of the Black Ferns, the Tauranga-based athlete hits hard, puts her body on the line and leads by example. Her friends however know another side to the busy 32-year-old, describing her as loyal, honest, resilient, compassionate and fearless, while also giving her a flurry of nicknames along way. In today's Behind the Name, Kristin Macfarlane finds out more about the Rangataua and Bay of Plenty Volcanix rugby player who is about to travel to San Diego with her Black Ferns teammates to compete in the 2019 Women's Rugby Super Series. We also learn about the rodeo rider and businesswoman, whose pride for her family is undeniable.
Do you have any nicknames?
Well depends who you ask but my high school mates from Taumarunui would call me Weedle, my Aussie mates will call me Ketu Chips, my Waikato mates call me Ketu, my Black Ferns mates call me Mamaku and since being in the Bay it's Aunty
What is the first memory you have of rugby and how has that impacted your life?
Probably when I was about 10 and my dad was training my older brothers. I wanted to play and begged my dad to let me tackle my brother Steve. Dad wouldn't allow it because Steve was a giant but I begged.
He finally let Steve run it straight and all I remember was being on the ground winded and fighting for air. Steve is now 1.85m and more than 110kg so now I hit him when he's not looking.
What is it that you love about rugby?
I love the physical contest and contact area of the game. I love the way the game continuously evolves which challenges you to always grow and evolve your skill set. There's not a lot of sports you can play where you're face down in the mud, protecting your mates and putting your body on the line like that for your team, where you can hit your opposition as hard as you can and enjoy a beer with them afterwards. It's a special game.