Arihiana scrambles to get to the sevens
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A young Ohaeawai woman passionate about rugby has been selected for the Aotearoa Women's Maori Squad to play at the Hong Kong sevens next month.
But soon-to-be 18-year-old Arihiana Marino won't be taking part in what could be the pinnacle of her rugby career unless she can find funds to join the squad which leaves for Hong Kong on March 24.
Arihiana was told on February 15 that she had been selected for the squad that won the Hong Kong sevens from 2002 to 2007 but was then excluded from the tournament until this year.They remain unbeaten. Arihiana is seeking sponsorship for her airfare and additional costs.
There will be 12 women's teams at the tournament. "I am asking for whatever amount people can give me," Arihiana says. Her most urgent need is the airfare component at $1900 which is needed by today. Everything else is required by or before the first training camp on March 13.
Her costs include the airfare, food, $700; playing gear, $1000 - two pairs of boots, shoulder pads, skins for muscle recovery, undergarments, two mouthguards, headgear; training gear, $750 - running shoes, socks, shorts, shirts, balls and kicking tee, tracksuit and windbreaker. The total is $4350.
Call Arihiana on 405-9372 or 021-124- 6429 for information, or leave a message with her parents Ziandra or Francis. Anyone requiring validation of anything pertaining to the Hong Kong trip can call team coach Peter Joseph on (07) 346-1989.
Arihiana's achievements are impressive.
Rugby 15s: Ohaeawai captain of grades 11, 12 and 13 - Bay of Islands champions. 14s captain - north-wide champions.
Bays rugby representative: 10s, 11s, 12s, 13s, 14s Bay of Islands captain.
Under-16s: Mangonui drawn champions with Whangarei.Taniwha cup champion team 2004.
Girls' rugby representative: Northland Secondary School - girls captain 2008 and 2009. Northern region 2009 - players selected from Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Auckland, North Harbour and Northland teams.
Moerewa women's 2008 player of the year and 2009.
Manurewa womens 2009. Auckland Storm womens 2009.
Women's rugby representative: Northland women's 2008 and 2009. Northland Maoris 2008 and 2009.New Zealand Maoris 2009. ASB Sports 2009 secondary girls rugby award.
Northland womens 2009 rugby award.
Touch: New Zealand Maoris under-16s, 2006 and 2008. New Zealand secondary girls
2009.
Rugby sevens: Aotearoa Maori women's 2010.
- © Fairfax NZ News
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