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Women’s teams from Counties Manukau will play for two new trophies in 2023 with the AS Wilcox and Sons Cup and the Counties Sports Hub Shield going up for grabs.

The AS Wilcox and Sons Cup will be awarded to the most successful Women’s team in Counties Manukau each season, with all teams eligible regardless of what grade they enter.

That will mean Weymouth and Patumahoe, who are both set to contest the 10-a-side competition in 2023, will join Coleman Shield teams Manurewa, Papakura and Pukekohe in being potential first time winners this year.

Whichever team has the best winning percentage through the season will win the AS Wilcox and Sons Cup.

Meanwhile, the Counties Sports Hub Shield will be up for grabs on Saturday when Papakura host Manurewa in the Counties Energy Game of the Week at South Park.

It marks the first time two local sides have come up against each other this season and it has been decided that will be the starting point for the Shield’s life.

Whoever wins the Counties Sports Hub Shield this weekend must put the Shield on the line whenever they play another side from Counties Manukau.

The idea was a collaboration from Counties Manukau Rugby and Counties Sports Hub, with the Shield being purchased from Ellerslie Jewellers and engraved with the name.

“The Women’s game is really taking off and it is great to be able to have something meaningful for our teams to compete for that is uniquely ours,” said CMRFU Head of Community Rugby Matt Megaw.

“The AS Wilcox and Sons Cup and the Counties Sports Hub Shield will bring an extra edge to games played by our clubs and give us something to cherish.”

AS Wilcox’s Dean Langrell-Read said they were keen to be involved with the explosion of women’s rugby.

“The excitement and interest in woman’s rugby continues to grow and Wilcox is immensely proud to be supporting this within our home union. I can’t wait until the end of the season to see which club is the inaugural winner.”

Hosts Papakura will have their work cut out, taking on the team that won the Auckland competition in 2021.

Manurewa come into the game with some momentum, sitting atop the Coleman Shield standings after a bonus point win at Silverdale last week.