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A new NZ rugby initiative in 2019, the HB women's High Performance programme is designed to cater for player pathways to support athletes in achieving their aspirations. 

On February 1st and 2nd, 15 players from the WHP 2020 programme attended an induction camp held at Nirvana Farm, in Te Haroto, The overnight excursion, included team building activities of waka ama, paint ball and fitness activities, as well as setting the values and culture for the year ahead. 

Currently, strength and conditioning coach Jayden Pinfold has the HP group completing early morning gym sessions 2-3 times a week, while making a link to the nutritional aspects to their training. This is complemented with Wanda Douglas developing players mental skills component. Micro catch-pass skills are being completed as part of Wednesday morning's gym session with Tianua Poto leading the technical development here. We are looking forward to Andrew Horrell sharing his knowledges and skills with addition field sessions kicking off in March.

This years programme also has a tier frame work that includes a transition and foundation group of a further 15 plus players. They will join the programme for the PD programme and some gym and skill sessions from March onwards.

This year on January 29^th and 30, players from the WHP 2021 programme attended an induction camp. The overnight excursion, included team building activities starting with surfing at Waimarama with our fellow Tui players from Surf Sisters. From there where headed to the Kawekas to stay at the Doc hut to bond and share who we are through our Tipuna history. Early the following morning, we took the challenge and braved the elements of hiking up to Kaweka J.

This year’s pre-season, leading into club then Tui season, sees the HP group completing S&C gym sessions 2-3 times a week through the guidance of Jayden Pinfold, while making a link to the nutritional aspects to their training. This is complemented with Wanda Douglas developing players mental skills component. Micro catch-pass skills are being completed as part of gym sessions.

The high performance programme has a tier frame work that includes a tier 3 and  this year,  an academy group of  players. They will join the programme for Mondays gym and skill sessions from March onwards.

On the 12th of February the Hawkes Bay women’s high performance group and selected academy players got together for our annual pre-season professional development camp. This year the camp was run by Chris McIvor of MACA sports leadership and welcomed speakers including Josh Syms, Michaela Baker and Tipene Cottrell discussing, among others, professionalism and whakawhanaungatanga. 

Josh Syms, 2022 Magpies head coach, spoke about professionalism in sport and the sacrifices that are needed to be made to allow us to succeed at our level. We discussed the differences we face in women’s rugby in NZ, the unique opportunities we have and how this impacts our path through the sport. Josh led us all to consider the things we would be willing to give up in order to achieve our goals, a lesson that can be transferred across all aspects of life. 

We also heard from Michaela Baker and Tipene Cottrell. Michaela spoke on her journey of learning Te Reo and introduced us to our Pepeha. Tipene followed this with an exercise that allowed us to get a better understanding of each other and the challenges we have faced to see the growth that we are all capable of. 

The day was rounded out on the water with a surfing lesson at Waimarama run by two Clive rugby ladies, Holly and Niamh, and their Sea Sisters initiative. 

A great day with many learnings, setting our sights on the season ahead and the excitement to come!