Last weekend, 25 wāhine rugby players from Rolleston College, Ellesmere College, Lincoln High School and Darfield High School attended our first girls' rugby camp, hosted by Rolleston College. It was an outstanding opportunity to connect across Selwyn schools, to grow and support our union and league playing school girls, and a chance to work with Ellesmere and Canterbury Rugby and coaches from around the region.

We started with fun games and connections on Friday night, as the girls blew off their hectic school week, led by Jamie and Nate from Ellesmere Rugby. A mix of fun, teamwork and challenge; they took up the wero and brought their spirit to the session. After a dinner break the girls cleaned up and settled in for the keynote speakers.

We were lucky enough to have the knowledgeable and practical advice from Nicole Marie—health teacher, trainer and nutritionist. She covered pre- and post-match nutrition, health and wellbeing, and generally how to look after yourself as a sportswoman. The girls were then treated to an inspirational talk from former Black Fern and Canterbury stalwart Steph Te Ohaere-Fox. Her message was clear, take the opportunities and make the connections, because these connections last a lifetime of rugby.

Saturday brought sunshine and skills as the girls were put through their paces by coach Maddie from Lincoln University and Matty from BDI, and then it was back to team time to film and edit an instructional video on what they had learnt.

We finished the day stepping it up with a game of equal sides with contact-ready players. The girls worked hard and showed their love for the game as they ran, wrestled and rucked their way to the end of the day. So many thank yous! To the girls themselves for making it so successful, and to all the schools that supported the two days. Thank you to our experts and educators on their knowledge, passion and time! And thank you to Mr Wilson for leading the highlight of the warm-up, the Just Dance! and for supporting and encouraging this initiative.

Where to from here? We work together to grow the game.

This season is going to be GREAT, GO THE GIRLS!