News

Home grown Black Ferns stars Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu and Hazel Tubic have taken up roles with Counties Manukau Rugby in an exciting boost to the community game.

Counties Power Heat captain Marino-Tauhinu has joined the Union on a fixed term contract until December as the new Junior Rugby Development Officer.

She will be working 30 hours per week and going into primary and intermediate schools to run rugby clinics while also working to drive junior participation with clubs.

Meanwhile, first-five Tubic, has accepted a fixed term position until December as a part-time Women’s Rugby Development Officer and will be working with schools and clubs to strengthen the women’s game.

Both players will also assist Chad Shepherd with running a women’s pre-academy for the best-up-and-coming girls’ talent.

“I’m extremely excited about having two high-calibre individuals on board and know they’ll both be huge assets to our culture and organisation,” said Counties Manukau Rugby chief executive Aaron Lawton.

“It’s also fantastic to be getting some dedicated resource back on deck to focus on the women’s game, which is hugely important.”

Junior RDO Vuga Tagicakibau finished up with the Union last week due to an opportunity to head to Europe and teach rugby there.

The popular Tagicakibau will be sorely missed but his departure has also created an opportunity for the Union to examine what they have been doing in the community space and the creation of two roles provides the ideal outcomes for replacing someone of his stature.

Marino-Tauhinu and Tubic were welcomed with a morning tea at Navigation Homes Stadium on Tuesday.