Sportlight: Rugby Union.
Billie wants to shine the ‘sportlight’ on the incredible sportswomen - of all levels and disciplines - that we have around Aotearoa.
We hope that by sharing the love these amazing wahine have for their sports, you might be able to discover a love for them yourself.
This week we chat to Black Fern and Beef + Lamb ambassador, Stacey Waaka, about rugby union.
How did you get involved in rugby union?
My family are very sporty and very competitive too! Every weekend consisted of a sports game or tournament and my siblings, parents and I were all involved in some sort of capacity.
How many years have you been involved?
I was about 15 years old when I first started playing rugby, so 12 years.
What made you want to keep pursuing it?
I just loved being around my friends. I loved the fun and freedom playing as a kid.
How accessible is rugby union in New Zealand?
I 100% believe sport is accessible all around our country. I grew up on a farm in a rural area but sport was still a massive part of our upbringing in the backyard with my friends and cousins. This is where it all started for me before it started to get serious at school and playing for rep teams etc.
What kind of costs are involved in taking part?
Cost can be a major barrier for kids playing competitive sport especially when you have to travel far for trainings or games. Sports equipment is also a massive cost and I definitely experienced this barrier growing up but I am lucky I had great support around me to get me everywhere and buy things where needed.
What kind of equipment is needed to take part?
A rugby ball and your mates!
What’s the most enjoyable part for you?
The most enjoyable part for me is being around my friends and travelling around the country/world making the best memories with everyone. I am a passionate and very competitive person, so I love the many things and skills you learn playing sport. It is also a great way to learn life skills that have helped shape me into the person I am today!
What is the community like in rugby union?
My community has the best support for sport in our region. So many kids play sport, and all their parents are massive supporters who always get in behind them.
What kind of skills do you learn (i.e ball handling, flexibility)?
There are so many skills I learn playing sport. Hand eye co-ordination, reaction time, power, strength, speed - everything really!
What’s the hardest part?
The hardest part of my sport is trying to consistently stay fit. Trying to find the right balance of working hard but also enjoying life can be quite challenging at times but I have definitely learnt a lot from doing this.
What has been your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement in sport would have to be the lifelong friends I have made from playing for NZ and travelling the world full time! We have won every possible pinnacle event in rugby but medals are only the cherry on top of the cake. The memories made along the way by far outweigh any medal or placing.
How do you think rugby helps you gain important life skills?
My sport has given me so many important life skills in so many ways. The biggest one for me would have to be public speaking. I used to be so petrified speaking in front of people when I was at school but since being a professional rugby player you are practically forced to come out of your shell if you want to succeed in this environment. I am so grateful for rugby and the many life skills it has taught me. Teamwork, dedication, confidence, resilience, discipline and leadership just to name a few.
How would you like to see your sport evolve?
I would love there to be more provincial tournaments around the country so we can identify more talent out there that is unseen at the moment.
Who is your biggest inspiration in your sport?
My biggest inspiration in my sport is Honey Hireme-Smiler. She took me under her wing and inspired me to achieve everything she has. She has played for NZ in 3 different codes and I wish to do the same!
What goals do you have for your next sporting season?
My goal for the next season is to go win back to back golds at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Why should young girls get involved in rugby union?
I believe young girls should play rugby because it is a full time professional paid job. You get to live your dream job every day playing your favourite sport, travel the world and get paid to train every day! You meet some very cool people along the way and the memories made are priceless!
If someone was interested in trying rugby union, how should they go about it?
Playing for your school is always a great start and if they don’t have a team then playing for your local club. This is where your province usually scouts you and then things flow on from there.
Describe your sport in three words.
Fast, physical, exciting.
