The WRL Girls Youth 9s brought an action-packed day of rugby league to Porirua Park 3 on Sunday, with young athletes showcasing skill, determination, and teamwork in the fast-paced nine-a-side format.

A huge acknowledgment to the clubs that participated: Upper Hutt Tigers, Randwick Queenfishers, Porirua Valkyrie, and Wainuiomata Lioness. Their commitment to growing the women’s game was on full display, making for an exciting and competitive tournament.

U14 Ana Tuia-Pereira Cup Winners - Upper Hutt Tigers

U16 Ake Pereira Cup Winners - Wainuiomata Lioness

Tournament Winners:

🏆 U14 Girls Ana Tuia-Pereira Cup – Upper Hutt Tigers

🏆 U16 Girls Ake Pereira Cup – Wainuiomata Lioness

Special Milestone for Upper Hutt Tigers

A special mention goes to the Upper Hutt Tigers, who fielded their first-ever female team during this tournament. Their U14 Girls were also succesful in winning their grade and becoming the inaugural holders of the Ana Tuia-Pereira Cup, which is a huge step forward for the club and highlights the growing strength of women’s rugby league in Wellington, as well as the return of the Upper Hutt Tigers.

Honoring Ana Tuia-Pereira & Ake Pereira

The tournament’s trophies honor two influential figures in Wellington Rugby League, both of whom have made a lasting impact on the women’s game:

🔹 Kiwifern #83, Ana Tuia-Pereira has been a driving force in the development of women’s rugby league, playing a key role in growing the game at the grassroots level in Wellington. Since retiring, she has remained deeply involved, taking on various roles to support the next generation of female players. Most recently, she stepped into the role of manager for the Wellington Orcas Women’s team, continuing her commitment to fostering talent and inspiring future stars of the game.

🔹 Kiwifern #99, Ake Pereira was a standout player and respected leader whose dedication to rugby league continues well beyond her playing days. As a coach and mentor, she has taken on key leadership roles, including head coach of the Wellington Orcas Senior Women's team and multiple NZRL coaching appointments, such as leading the New Zealand Secondary Schools Girls team. Her contributions to developing and empowering young women in rugby league are recognized through the cup that proudly bears her name.

Pathway to National Representation

Following this tournament, the Wellington Orcas U16 Girls squad will be selected to represent the region at the NZRL National District 9s in Auckland on April 18-19, while a select group of U14 Girls will be selected to participate in WRL POD. This is an exciting opportunity for our young female athletes to take their talents to the national stage and to further develop their own skills, as well as strengthen the pathways Wellington Rugby League are in the process of building. 

A massive thank you to all the players, coaches, referees, and supporters who helped make the event a success. The future of Wellington Rugby League’s female game is looking stronger than ever!

Article added: Wednesday 26 February 2025