Rotorua's Autumn Stephens, pictured in action for Bay of Plenty at the Bayleys National Sevens, has had a rapid rise in rugby. PHOTO/BEN FRASER
Rotorua's Autumn Stephens, pictured in action for Bay of Plenty at the Bayleys National Sevens, has had a rapid rise in rugby. PHOTO/BEN FRASER
"It was a special moment when my mum presented me with my playing jersey."
Rugby has always played a significant role in Autumn Stephens' life and the former Western Heights High School student is certainly one to watch for the future.
The 20-year-old was one of the standout players in the Bay of Plenty women's squad at the recent Bayleys National Sevens, with the side taking home the Plate trophy and finishing fifth overall.
Stephens' experience in her first National Sevens was made all the more memorable wearing the number six jersey - the very same her mum Eliza played in during her first time with the Bay team.
"It was a special moment when my mum presented me with my playing jersey," Stephens said. "She shared some of her rugby sevens stories with me and the team from back in the day that I didn't even know about.
"It was very humbling to play with the same jersey number as she did. What a coincidence right?"
Eliza Stephens, pictured in action for Waikite last season, has also represented the Bay of Plenty Sevens team like daughter Autumn. PHOTO/ FILE
Stephens made her mark immediately at the National Sevens, scoring the first try for the Bay after sprinting down the left wing from the halfway line. Stephens' piece of magic helped pull her side back into their first pool match against Auckland which they went on to win.
In the next match against Hawke's Bay, Stephens touched down once again and displayed lightning pace and a strong skill set. However, disaster struck for Stephens at the end of the first half when she pulled her hamstring.
"It was disappointing as I was really pumped to be playing my first nationals on my own whenua [our place]."
"But hey, it happens sometimes and you just can't do anything about it."
Stephens could only watch on from the sidelines as her side went on to top Pool B. Her team were knocked out of the Cup chase the next day against Waikato but ended on a high by winning the Plate trophy, beating Canterbury 17-12 in the final.
"I'm really proud of my team and the campaign we've had this season. We've had one of the best team cultures I've ever felt in a team. Everyone was just really keen to grind and it really showed."
The Bay of Plenty team celebrate winning the Plate final. PHOTO/ FILE
Bay of Plenty's Kelly Brazier was awarded women's player of the tournament and Stephens said she learned a lot playing alongside the Black Ferns Seven contracted player and Michaela Blyde - both who have been named to contest the remainder of the 2016-2017 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.
"They are experts of the game and I learned a lot from their guidance and leadership. They just felt like normal people on and off the field ... no egos were involved," Stephens said.
Bay of Plenty coach Victoria Grant said Stephens showed real promise and was one to watch for the future.
"Autumn showed real touches of magic and really stood out in our opening games," she said. "Of course it was disappointing she had to sit out for the second day but there is real potential there for her to go far."
The versatile player easily turned her hand to rugby and had a rapid rise in the sport since playing her first game for Waikite when she was in Year 11. She already had two seasons with the Bay of Plenty Volcanix high performance squad under her belt.
Bay of Plenty Volcanix player Autumn Stephens, pictured in playing against North Harbour at the Rotorua International Stadium last season. PHOTO/ FILE
And Stephens had a golden 2016 which included wining the Bay of Plenty female Maori player of the year at the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union Awards and was given special recognition in the junior sports category at the annual Te Arawa Awards.
Stephens is now focused on bouncing back from injury and completing her summer season with a national touch tournament before turning to assist Waikite in their Baywide Premier campaign with the long-term aim of one day representing the Black Ferns.
"My dad always says 'what else can you bring to the table that others won't because that's what will make the difference daughter'. So for me the harder and smarter you train the more likely it is that rewards will come," Stephens said.
"In the future I want to go far in the sport - I'm not sure with sevens or rugby yet. Competing at the Olympics or playing for Black Ferns would be a dream."
