Girls rugby is growing rapidly in Auckland, with clubs cited as the driving force for growing junior teams — but many schools are lagging.
The Marist Eastern under-15s is one example, they make up just one of their club's 10 girls teams.
Marist player Kayla Jones told 1News tackling is one of her "favourite things".
"I'm so glad that i came here, because overall I really like the vibe, the energy that Marist Eastern bring. It really supports my love for rugby."
In the Auckland region, the game has grown from only four all-girls junior teams in 2017, to 84 in 2024 — a roughly 2000% increase.
That growth was on display in May, with 45 teams taking part in a rugby festival.
Auckland clubs say they've largely been able to cope with this demand and have found people to coach and manage the many new teams.
But some schools are struggling.
Auckland Rugby game development officer Anna Petersen said it is harder in schools.
"The resource, potentially, isn't there. It's hard to find coaches at times, and at the end of the day school is there for education."
Most schools offer boys the opportunity to play but Auckland Rugby figures show just 20% offer girls the same chance.
Marist Eastern community manager Shona McCarthy says they are working together in their community.
"Schools that we work with in the local area, a lot of them don't have school teams. But we do have deliverers that go in from the club and work with the girls and the schools as well, so that's where a lot of these girls have come from."
Auckland Rugby says they are working to provide access for more young women but in the meantime, they are grateful clubs like Marist Eastern provide opportunities to play.
"At the end of the day you want girls out there being active, enjoying themselves, having fun, and falling in love with the game," said Petersen.
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