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Four Northland women s reps selected in Blues women s team 27 Apr, 2021 05:00 PM 3 minutes to read Tyler Nankivell is among four Northland women s rugby reps selected in the nib Blues squad to face Waitomo Chiefs this weekend. Photo / Tania Whyte Tyler Nankivell is among four Northland women s rugby reps selected in the nib Blues squad to face Waitomo Chiefs this weekend. Photo / Tania Whyte Northern Advocate Four Northland Farah Palmer Cup reps have been named in a talent-laden Auckland Storm women s squad for the historic encounter against Waitomo Chiefs this weekend. Also selected is Northland women s assistant coach Cheryl Smith who will help head coach Willie Walker and legendary Anna Richards, a four-time Rugby World Cup winner and member of the IRB Hall of Fame. ....
Northland Kauri coach Cheryl Smith is on the Blues’ staff this week, working alongside fellow former Black Fern Anna Richards under Auckland Storm boss Willie Walker, and she is excited about the prospect of adding another level of action. “If we can get this off the ground, I think we re just going to see more girls performing,” she said on Monday. “It s another stepping stone for our Black Ferns and our Farah Palmer Cup girls, but it s a stepping stone for the new girls as well. “For a lot of them, it s a big step just going from club to Farah Palmer Cup, but there s going to be a three-step staircase, and it s going to give more players opportunities, so if this gets off the ground, it s going to be a case of watch this space .” ....
Shepherd, who has worked with the Counties Manukau Heat in the Farah Palmer Cup, said the players will not be paid for their involvement in the fixture because it’s classified as an exhibition match, but he hopes that can change if a Super Rugby competition gets going in 2022. “It’s natural progression for the women to shift into Super Rugby after years of Farah Palmer Cup and there’s a real appetite from the players for it to happen next year,” Shepherd said. The Auckland clash could be the biggest women’s game in the country this year after the World Cup, due to be held in New Zealand, was postponed until 2022 because of Covid-19 complications, something that “devastated” some Black Ferns stars. ....