John Holden, President, Marist St Pat’s RFC
With the Women’s Rugby World Cup being showcased in New Zealand during 2022, it is appropriate to reflect on the growth of Women’s Rugby within Wellington Club Rugby.
For the Marist St Pat’s RFC the 2022 season was history making. The Club’s Women’s Premier team made the women’s grade final for the first time since women’s rugby was established at Marist St Pats in 2008.
The Premier Women’s Final match in Wellington is played for the Tia Passi Trophy. Tia Passi died in 2018, from illness, aged 48 and her Requiem Mass was held at St Patrick’s Church in Kilbirnie. Tia was an uncompromising loosehead prop. She represented the Wellington Pride in over 50 appearances and represented her country as a Black Fern.
The Women’s Grade Club Final was played on New Zealand’s initial Matariki weekend and following the match, the Marist St Pats RFC prayed this prayer.
The new light of Matariki has risen!
May it be to you a sign of resurrection and new life.
May it be to you a sign of hope in times of darkness.
May it be to you a sign of the wondrous mystery of Atua who loves you.
May it be to you a sign that the eyes of the Eternal One are ever upon you and that the presence of the Holy One is ever with you. And may this be the cause of your rejoicing.
Through Christ and in the perfect unity of the Holy Spirit, we pray. Amen.
Marist St Pats expects to field two women’s teams in the 2023 season. For more information check out the club’s website at www.msprugby.co.nz
