35 Womens - 35 Womens

Andrea MORGAN-TAFEA

DOB: 21/09/1973

History: I first played touch as a 19 year old, but went away from the sport to concentrate on another sporting code. I have come back to it in the past few years playing for the North Harbour Women's 35's & 40's teams.

What does it mean for you to be selected to represent NZ at WC?: I feel very humbled and grateful to be given the opportunity to play at an elite level, It's still quite surreal.

Any links between yourself and another individual within our Sport?: My son Danyon is playing WC for the Touch Blacks Open Mixed, makes this WC extra special for our aiga.

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: I love watching my son play elite touch, and also his siblings at their respective levels. That's what I love about touch the most, watching my children.

Home Province: North Harbour

Annette ALMOND

DOB: 4/01/1968

History: First year selection into 30 Mixed Tour to England/Wales 2003 Masters did not go to World Cup in Japan, then 2005 All Nations 30 Mixed - Winners, 2007 World Cup 30 Mixed South Africa - Winners 2011 World Cup Scotland - Winners, also played in Super Trans Tasman 30 Mixed - Winners. Played locally in Whakatane Womens and Mixed - player and coach for both teams over the years, Represented the BOP in Open Grades Mixed, Womens and Masters Mixed and Womens

What does it mean for you to be selected to represent NZ at WC?: It makes me feel proud to be able to wear the Black Jersey, and rewarding of the efforts and commitments as a player to be selected.

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: You are able to play with all your whanau and friends, competitive and social - and to be active is great! Age is just a number

Home Province: Bay Of Plenty

Belinda IHAKA

DOB: 31/03/1976

History: I entered the provincial level at age 35 years and since then have coached at this level (Counties Woman's 35) and now the 40s Woman's coach for Counties Manukau. I recieved top Master's Coach for my province the first year of coaching. I set a goal in January 2018 to challenge myself by putting my name forward as a trialist for NZ and sacrificed other codes to concentrate on this goal.

What does it mean for you to be selected to represent NZ at WC?: It has taken me a week to absorb my selection in this squad, and I am now concentrating on new goals to ensure I am ready for the WC, 2019. Representing my country in a game that I love alongside a great team is just a dream come true and Im so lucky to have be supported by friends and whanau. I cant wait to wear the uniform and sing our National anthem!

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: Whanaungatanga - the relationships I've formed with various people through touch rugby over the years has enriched my life. I am blessed to have made these connections. This game has been so beneficial for my health and wellbeing, although it is physically demanding, it gives me a sense of calmness and balance in my life.

Home Province: Counties Manukau

Delicia WIPA

DOB: 28/01/1975

History: NZ Touch Rep 2013 - Super Trans Tasman - 27 WMNs Grade - Series Winners, GoldNZ Touch Rep 2005 - All Nations World Cup - 30s MXD Grade - Gold WinnersProvincial Rep 1999 - 2019, numerous titles (missed 2 nationals in that time)Galaxy Touch Club Member since 1998Coaching from 2014 with the Auckland Province in Youth Grades & assisting in Opens GradesCoaching within Galaxy Touch Club

What does it mean for you to be selected to represent NZ at WC?: Its an honour to represent Aotearoa - NZ within the sport I love. This WC is most likely my last opportunity to play at this level and to play alongside the hardworking amazing ladies within this team. The future of Touch is so exciting and to know that i've contributed in a some way to its growth is very gratifying - it makes all the sacrifices & hard work worth it !!

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: Touch suits my particular sporting attributes so I instantly loved the game as I could express myself even when i was learning. Touch, in my view, is the ultimate transitional sport for other professional codes - especially for Sevens & Rugby. Its very strategic at a Provincial & International level and the technical side as well as the fast pace and high skill set - makes Touch an exciting sport. At a club & social/corporate level Touch is an affordable equalising sport with diverse participants - you just need a ball and some space!

Home Province: Auckland

Jo SINTON

DOB: 26/09/1972

History: I have played Touch since the age of 14. Over this time I played at the N.S.W State Cup for Parramatta Open Women's team and later Ryde-Eastwood Open Mixed team, I was also in the Sydney University Open Women's team and competed at the Australian University games.I moved to NZ in 2002 and played for North Harbour 30's in 2004 and 2005. 10 years later I returned to North Harbour and wondered why I had left it so long, playing O35's in 2015/16/17 and O40's in 2018 Sharks Womens O35's at World Masters Games in 2017

What does it mean for you to be selected to represent NZ at WC?: This is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I never really thought I would ever get the chance to experience. I am beyond excited to be playing

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: I love how Touch brings people together. No matter your age or ability it is a great game which builds lasting friendships

Home Province: North Harbour

Lisa ELLIS

DOB: 6/06/1975

History: I was introduced to Touch at age 14. Over the years I've coached a heap of rangatahi, from U9s to U16s, school & club teams and the odd representative teams too. I also had the privilege of being included in a mixed team with my own kids as player-coach. In 2015 I played for the Bay of Plenty 35s Womens team that won the gold medal

What does it mean for you to be selected to represent NZ at WC?: It was a proud and humble moment to be selected to represent NZ 35s Womens at the WC, not only for myself but for my whanau and my Ngati Hine hapu from Korohe. To be honest it took a few days to sink in. I live in Turangi which is a small town with a big heart and I am very fortunate to be part of this World Cup campaign with such an amazing community supporting me

Any links between yourself and another individual within our Sport? I grew up playing Touch in Turangi with George Jahnke so we go way back

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: I love both the physical & mental challenges of Touch. Theres always something new to learn and its a game the whole whanau can play together. Touch is a great way to stay fit and an awesome way to make new friends

Home Province: Bay of Plenty

Mary ADAMS

DOB: 3/03/1977

History: First game of touch was back in 1992 at East Tamaki module girls team. Played for Counties since 2000 in Open Womens, Mixed and Masters. Highlight was winning Open Womens Nationals 2007 - Counties Manukau. Rep Cook Island in 1999 Sydney WC, South Pacific Games 2007 in Samoa - Cook Islands Open Womens - Gold Medal and Silver medal in Open MixedSPG Games 2015 in PNG - Rep Cook Island Open Womens

What does it mean for you to be selected to represent NZ at WC?: I have always aspired to play for NZ as this is the highest level you can achieve in the sport. I am grateful for the opportunity to display and showcase my abilities and skills against other Elite athletes.I get to show my dedication and passion for the game

Any links between yourself and another individual within our Sport? Husband Brian Adams played for Touch Blacks 2000-2007 World Cups for Touch Blacks (2003 - Japan 2007 - South Africa) Son Antonio Adams was part of the NZ U15s National Youth championship -2012 Australia

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: I have meet and made long life friends through the game and accomplished some personal goals while keeping fit

Home Province: Counties Manukau

Matapa SKUDDER

DOB: 31/10/1982

History: I have played many National campaigns for the BOP through out the years since the early 2000's from Youth to Opens and Masters. 2017 I captained the Over 35's women team who won a silver at nationals

What does it mean for you to be selected to represent NZ at WC?: Many things. Making a NZ World Cup team has been a life time goal, it is a huge honor and privilege and it is also a milestone I will cherish

Any links between yourself and another individual within our Sport? My partner Takiri Butler represented NZ at 1999 WC (Open mixed) winning Gold and 2001 Youth WC (20 mixed) winning gold also

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: Touch has given me so many amazing benefits not just physically and mentally. It so much fun and I love the short sharp intensity of the sport. But I believe my most valued reason for loving the sport is because of the 'Touch whanau' I have gained over the years.

Home Province: Bay of Plenty

Michelle JAMES

DOB: 5/11/1977

History: I have played Touch since I was at high school, I played social up until 2008 where I played in my first National tournament for Bay of Plenty for Open Mixed. I have played for both BOP (open mixed 1 year won gold & 30wmns) and Counties 30 & 35wms winning 3 Silvers), I have played at the Maori nationals as well representing my home Te Arawa. I played at the World Masters Tournament last year. I also coach and have managed Counties Jnr & youth teams and have been doing this with my partner for the last 5 years

What does it mean for you to be selected to represent NZ at WC?: When I started in 08 that was me living a dream to play at nationals the fact I won a gold that first year was a dream come true. I never believed I would get this opportunity to represent my country ever being the age I am and starting at such a late stage in my life but I am overwhelmed and excited to be able to represent my country and family in the sport I love playing

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: It is fast paced, friendly environment, and have opportunities within the community of touch. I love that I can give back and be involved with people that have passion for the sport. It is great to see that Touch is being recognised and hopefully become bigger in years to come with our connection to NRL

Home Province: Counties Manukau

Nicole PICKARD

DOB: 30/06/1975

History: Represented South Canterbury and then Canterbury for many years in Open Womens, Open Mixed, Over 27's and Over 35's. Part of the winning side for Over 27's in 2016. NZ Police Touch representative

What does it mean for you to be selected to represent NZ at WC?: I'm still in shock! To represent my country is an absolute honour and to be part of a team of amazing women and an outstanding coach and manager, is beyond my dreams. It also cements my belief that age is no barrier to succeeding

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: The explosiveness and speed of the game

Home Province: Canterbury

Sandi HACKETT

DOB: 22/05/1968

History: Played Touch for 30 years, played for North Harbour since I was 30. Played in the 2018 World Masters Games (gold medallists), & All Nations in 2005.

Any links between yourself and another individual within our Sport? I have 2 boys - Adam 22yrs & Olly 19yrs. Both played touch for North Harbour as well as my partner Graham

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: I play social touch with my family and friends - both genders & all ages playing together. Touch What A Game !!

Home Province: North Harbour

Tammy THOMPSON

DOB: 24/05/1977

History: Started with my parents and siblings at a very early age. There were 5 of us and we all grew up around Touch and have represented at National levels both in secondary, youths, opens and now Masters divisions. Counties Manukau Womens 40s NZ Maori Opens Womens Touch Representative 1994, 1996 Auckland Secondary School Mix Rep

What does it mean for you to be selected to represent NZ at WC?: To be selected and represent NZ is a great honour. The hard work, coaches and sacrifices of my family, work and friends who have put in time to help me succeed is worth it

Any links between yourself and another individual within our Sport? My brother in law (Dashe Walters) is plaing and my uncle (Peter Walters) who is well known in Touch has represented NZ over many years and is still a idol of mine today

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: I love the fast pace and team dynamics of this game. You are always challenging yourself both mentally and physically but to be in involved in a team environment it makes you build lasting relationships on and off the field. Anyone can play this game all you need is a pair of touch shoes and the enthusiasm to learn

Home Province: North Harbour

Valerie TIATIA-SEATH

DOB: 28/08/1982

History: Touch NZ 30 Mixed Player - 2015 World Cup, Australia, Long-standing player for the North Harbour province

What does it mean for you to be selected to represent NZ at WC?: Super proud to represent my country through high performance sport, playing a game I love! And, to do it alongside some amazing talented individuals will only heighten this experience. I am hugely grateful for the opportunity

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: There is so much to love about the game! The speed at which it is played; it's ability to expose the amazing talent and skills of individuals and teams; and the levels at which it can be played (social and competitive) to create inclusivity, connectedness and comradeship

Home Province: North Harbour