Poroporo coach Geri Paul knows she has the players to take the women’s rugby competition by storm but is instead focusing on cementing a vibrant and competitive culture within her side.

The blue-white-and-reds have been hit hard in the off-season with several key players either not playing or moving on in 2025. This has meant the team have had to search far and wide for replacements.

Although they have picked up a few “gems” according to Paul, they didn’t quite get the two teams they had originally hoped for.

Having been at the helm of Poroporo since the women’s team was re-introduced about four years ago, Paul has helped them go from strength to strength.

Having an epic culture is key and that is not different for the 2025 season, which began last Sunday.

Poroporo are in the premiership division and are joined by Rangataua, Mount Maunganui, Ngongotahā, Rūātoki and Tongariro.

The championship division features nine teams: Waimana, Ōpōtiki, Arataki, Te Puke, Whakarewarewa, Kahu Pirates, Galatea, Greerton Marist and Te Puna.

Poroporo started their campaign with an away trip to Rangataua, which they knew was going to be a tough challenge, given Rangataua had won the premiership title last year.

The champions showed their finesse on the field, overcoming the Eastern Bay side 41-5.

Paul remained upbeat after the loss, with both eyes firmly fixed on the future and focused on improvements.

“Lots of positives, lots of work-ons, and we will work on them for sure,” she said on social media after the match.

“Big ups to our girls, who fought right to the end. Congratulations to Rangataua, who showed why they are the premiership champs.”

Ahead of the match, Paul said the team were looking good for the season with some exciting, fresh talent to keep an eye on.

Although players such as the Church sisters, Kesha, Hayley and Shykauda, have all moved on and midfield standout Phoenix Paniora has taken time away to become a mum, and Kokako Raki had joined Ngongotahā, there is much to like about the side Paul has assembled for Poroporo.  

“It was a bit of a push getting a team together, but we’ve got there,” she said.

“There are a few exciting players to watch this season and while I would love to name a few, I feel they will show themselves each week.”

She said there was a different feeling in the air coming from Poroporo in 2025.

“This team has a great vibe about it. We will definitely go into games looking to win, but if we fall short, it won’t be from a lack of effort and as a coach that is all you can ask for.”

She said they hadn’t set themselves any major team goals.

“They are simple, go hard or go home, but make sure we enjoy what we are doing.”

Despite falling in the semi-finals last year, Paul felt it was a step up from the previous campaign.

“We’ve lost 13 players from last year with five moving away, one injured, two going home, one having a baby and four retiring.

“Now we look to rebuild, and this Sunday, we go again.

“We loved 2024, but I’m looking forward to 2025.”