RugbyWA’s U16 & U18 Junior Girls Emerging Players Touring Squad will head to New South Wales this week to compete against NSW Junior Rugby Union and NSWJRU President’s XV.
The tour will mark a vital step in building quality programs and experiences for young female athletes, and support those players involved in the touring teams in their rugby journeys.
For young guns, Ocean Tuhua, Topaz-Jean Porter and Ngamihi Monk, the tour marks yet another accomplishment in their blossoming careers.
All three girls were part of RugbyWA’s Pathways programs, helping to lay the foundations to become future Western Force players.
“I definitely wouldn’t be where I am without the pathways RugbyWA offers,” Monk shared.
“I still remember my first academy... I was so scared because I thought I was going to be so bad. But that’s the good thing about the Academy... it incorporates all skill levels."
“Being part of the RugbyWA pathways has opened up a door for me that I thought wouldn’t be open so soon,” Porter said. “It’s helped me realise that I do bring something to the table and that I can back myself.”
All three girls were part of RugbyWA’s inaugural Junior Girls Performance Centre throughout the 2024 season, aiding in the growth of their skills. The Performance Centre saw 20 players selected after RugbyWA’s Junior Girls Regionals, and focused on conditioning, mental skills, and technical development with the aim of solidifying the girls' fundamentals for the next level.
“Coming out of the Performance Centre, I’ve learned a lot about the importance of discipline and teamwork,” Tuhua said. “The training and feedback made me more focused on my role on the field and has taught me on constant improvement... and practice.”
“It's made me feel really confident in sharing with others that need it and are new to the game or don’t really have much experience,” Porter commented.
Very much leaders amongst their peers, the trio are heading to New South Wales off the back of the Western Force SuperW Japan Tour, where they took to the field with some of the best women’s players in the international game.
Their inclusion in the tour was cited as the highlight of all of their rugby journeys, in addition to being an incredible learning experience.
“Being apart of the Western Force touring squad was definitely the highlight of my rugby journey so far,” Monk said. “It’s just crazy to me that I was able to go play rugby in Japan at 18 and it’s something I will always be grateful for.”
“Not only did I develop skill-wise, but I think I learnt a lot about myself. I definitely had to step out of my comfort zone, I don’t think I’ve ever spoken so much on a field before. The overall experience was insane, the team is so welcoming, the coaching staff are all supportive, and I loved every bit of it.”
“The experience has helped me to grow stronger mentally towards the game,” Porter shared. “Being in a semiprofessional environment you kind of have to grow up a bit, but also it has helped me a lot with confidence on and off the field.”
“It gave me the chance to play and train with high-level players and to learn more skills,” Tuhua said. “Then being able to come back to Perth to represent WA is a great chance for me to showcase all the skills I've learned with the Force and get out to play more rugby.”
Ngamihi, Topaz and Ocean will fly out with the RugbyWA Junior Girls Touring Squad on Friday. With their wealth of experience, having been part of the Western Force squad, they’ve become invaluable assets for their coaches and teammates.
“From the first session that they came back, they set those standards,” Head Coach and RugbyWA Pathways Manager, Des Taurima, said, speaking to how the trio’s approach to the game has provided their peers the opportunity to learn and grow.
“All of that, their approach, just picks the level of training, the level of competition, the level of trying to be better at what you are and what you do. So having Ngamihi, having Ocean and having Topaz back on the fold definitely has lifted the standard.”
Their experiences throughout their rugby journeys have also provided the prime environment for their own growth and learning, which the trio has used to uplift their U16 and U18 teammates.
“I've learnt patience and encouragement are key, because having a supportive environment is important,” Tuhua shared, “It gives you so much more confidence and makes you feel comfortable. And now I feel confident in myself to help out others, giving them techniques that help me when I started out.”
“Listening and taking in what the coaches say to us at training... Every coach brings a different perspective to the game,” Monk said, as to what she’s learnt to pass on to other players. “They are the best people to learn from.”
“Also just asking questions, you’ll never learn if you don’t ask. I used to be the worst for it and now I don’t stop asking."
”I’ve learnt that you can’t learn if you’re not doing homework,” Porter commented, “...and having a stronger mindset towards games and trainings makes a huge difference on the field.”
As for their biggest pieces of advice to any other young girls looking to step on to the rugby field? Just take the leap.
“Honestly just give it a go,” Monk said. “I know it took me a while because I always thought it was scary. But genuinely just give it a go, I’m so happy I tried it.”
“The amount of friends and people you meet on a rugby journey is so awesome. You learn new things about yourself and your body and it’s a very fun and hopefully safe way to let out some anger.”
“Just go for it,” Tuhua shared. “I'd say it's been one of the best decisions I've made.”
“It's such an amazing sport that has built up my confidence, strength and teamwork. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, embrace challenges and have fun and you make new friends on the way.”
The New South Wales Junior Girls tour will kick off on Saturday, December 14. The girls will face off against NSWJRU and NSWJRU Presidents XV at CA Redmond Field in Rockdale, with matches streaming live on NSW Rugby TV. To view the squad lists, visit Emerging Players Program - Junior Girls.
RugbyWA Junior Girls Touring Team Fixtures
Saturday, December 14 – RugbyWA v. NSWJRU
- U16s – 2:00PM
- U18s – 3:20PM
Sunday, December 15 – RugbyWA v. NSWJRU President’s XV
- U16s – 6:30AM
- U18s – 8:00AM
