Hautapu Sports have farewelled women’s rugby player Terina Te Tamaki after her move to join Australian rugby league club West Tigers.
Te Tamaki (28), a Black Ferns Sevens player for nine years and a New Zealand Olympian, has been helping the development of Hautapu’s women’s rugby team in their transition to the 2025 Waikato Premiership, after their inaugural season in the Championship.
“Terina turned out once for the club in 2025, which the team was grateful for, as this was more than anticipated due to her commitments,” Hautapu’s director rugby, Nigel Kewish, said.
“Terina never missed a training with our team and was more than happy to impart her vast knowledge with other team members, to help with their development and that of the team.”
Kewish said he was sure she would make a huge impression in her new role, and the Hautapu Sports Club wished her well.
Hamilton-born Te Tamaki won silver with the New Zealand sevens team at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, becoming the country’s youngest-ever female Olympic medalist at 19.
She’ll now take on the challenge of playing in the NRL Women’s competition.
“I’m lucky to be surrounded by an awesome team who’ve been super helpful with the transition,” she told the West Tigers website.
West Tigers coach Brett Kimmorley said Te Takaki’s experience would help his side.
“She’s been a well-established and high-quality athlete for a long time now,” he said.
“She’s a really fun and bubbly character, and she comes out of an unbelievable programme.”
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