The Te Waipounamu roster brings a wealth of experience and new blood, with 16 debutants for the 2020 season. While having the players spread across the South Island has had its challenges, their lack of time together will be over shadowed by their Mainland grit, guts and determination.

Defending champions Te Waipounamu Women are looking confident to retain their title with the re-naming of Meg Sycamore, 2019 PTL overall MVP. Sycamore will be joined by Olivia O’Neill who returned from a successful Youth Trans-Tasman campaign where she was awarded MVP for the NZ 20 Women’s. Leading from the front are Co-Captains and Touch Blacks; Janelle Cavanagh and Atawhai Hotene who will provide experience and leadership both on and off the field.

Te Waipounamu Men’s debutant Hamish Faulks is coming off the back of a successful NZ Under 16’s campaign after being voted “Players Player” for the NZ U16 Boys. He joins brother Angus, alongside other notable family links such as the Andersons and Hothams. After a slow start last season, the Men will be looking to come out firing under the guidance of Paul Peawini (Touch Blacks Open Men’s Assistant Coach) and Jason Puddle (NZ 40 Men’s). 

2019 Finish

Te Waipounamu Men - 3^rd

Te Waipounamu Women - 1^st

Te Waipounamu Men

Aaron Fiveash
Angus Faulks
Ben Anderson
Culainn Stringer
Hamish Faulks
Hanlin Johnstone
Harry Kirk
Henry Anderson
Jackson Wright
James Taylor
Jay Hill-Cattermole
Jordan McEntee
Legin Hotham
Meihana Schooner
Nick Saunders
Simon Anderson
Tane Hotham
Tom Hume
Trey Russell
Will Hamilton
Paul Peawini (Coach)
Jason Puddle (Assistant Coach)
Cath Mulligan (Manager)

Te Waipounamu Women

Abbey Johnston
Annie Timu
Atawhai Hotene
Beryn Abbott
Brooke McAlwee
Courtney Godinet
Ella Donald
Jade Bowen
Janelle Cavanagh
Jess Faulks
Jessika Rowe
Julia Law
Madison Grieve
Maia Joseph
McKayler Moore
Meg Sycamore
Molly Wheeley
Olivia O'Neill
Patricia Hopcroft
Sarita DeGouw
Damian Burden (Coach)
Dennis Thompson (Assistant Coach)
Toni Wall (Manager)

Article added: Thursday 22 October 2020