TWICKENHAM SALUTES MAGNIFICENT AOTEAROA EFFORT.

FROM THE FIELD AT TWICKENHAM. Renowned match commentator Nigel Stammers-Smith praised the courage and skills of the AMWR team at their match today. "This is the best women's sevens team in the world", he said,"and they showcase the standard for women's rugby - it just keeps going up and up. This is a great indicator of how exciting the inaugural women's World Cup will be, next year. " ENDS.

AOTEAROA LOSE TWICKENHAM IN LAST FEW SECONDS

AMWR have just lost to England 14-10. From start to finish the game was a brutal contest with no quarter given. A badly split lip in the first minutes of the game sent Anna Richards to the blood bin and later, off altogether, Angela McGregor substituting. England went 7-0 up with a lucky conversion that bounced the right way off the goal posts, AMWR came back with a runaway try from Selica Winiata but this time Richard's straight kick to convert unluckily bounced the wrong way off the goalpost pads so at half time England lead 7-5. But they can’t afford to be complacent", said commentator Nigel Stammers-Smith. “AMWR is rated the best women’s sevens team in the world". The second half saw Ngahuri Thompson score a splendid try with a skilful step manoeuvre that put the ball over the line. Winiata missed the conversion and Thompson also had to go off due to injury, Karley Te Kawa substituting but AMWR now led 10-7. The final minutes saw Aotearo's courageous and deetemeirned defence hold England out to the very last seconds when they again scored a try, converted this from right in fromt of the goal posts and the ref. immediately calling Time with England at 14-10. ENDS.

JUST IN FROM LONDON.

The Aotearoa-England game is at twenty-two minutes past three on Monday morning (26th May), NZ time. It is being held immediately prior to the men’s finals of the IRB London 7’s at Twickenham. Sky Television’s Rugby Channel 36 commences its live coverage of Day 2 of the London 7’s at 9.55 p.m. tomorrow (Sunday 25th) (NZ time). There is immense media coverage of the event at London and it is hoped that here in NZ Sky’s live coverage will include the Aotearoa-England game. Supporters who wish to send the Aotearoa team a message can do so c/- the team’s hotel, the Sunbury Travelodge M3 Hotel, Hanworth Road, Sunbury on Thames, Middlesex. The hotel’s phone number is (0044) 871 984 6356; its fax number is (0044) 01932 781 394. The hotel says its e mail address is sunbury@travelodge.co.uk. Please ensure that your e mails are very clearly marked that they are to be urgently passed onto the Aotearoa team – there have been a few problems with the Sunbury Hotel staff not passing e mails on. ENDS.

INJURIES SEE AMWR LOSE MAFI

JUST IN FROM LONDON. The after effects of their recent Amsterdam tournament matches mean Aotearoa will be without at least one player and may yet lose others due to injury. “AMWR player Pare Mafi unfortunately is unable to participate further in the current campaign, due to a bad shoulder injury she got at Amsterdam. Other players are also nursing injuries from the tournament. Hopefully they will have recovered in time for Sunday’s historic event”, Coach Joseph said this afternoon. The AMWR team is self funded and could not afford to take more than their 13-strong squad as backup reserves on this latest campaign. ENDS.

ENGLAND'S ORGANISATION FOR AOTEAROA 'SUPERB'

Aotearoa Coach Peter Joseph said today that the England Rugby Union’s organisation for Aotearoa's’ one off match against the national England women’s sevens team on Sunday at Twickenham was ‘superb’. “It 's awesome that we've made it to Twickenham", he said from the team’s training camp at Staines Rugby Ground, London, “ and England’s organisation for us is just wonderful, and particularly in their treatment of us. They have laid on a van for our use, provided tickets for our women to go the 7’s on Saturday afternoon and soak in the atmosphere in preparation for the next day, and made the arrangements for us in terms of training venues. At Staines Rugby ground, where England arranged for us to practice today, all grounds facilities have been made available to the team. The whole English schedule is so professional and we greatly appreciate their splendid organisation for us”. ENDS.

AMWR BACK INTO TRAINING CAMP.

The AMWR team went back into training yesterday at London in preparation for their one off match against England on Sunday 25th May. The team are very excited at the opportunity to play at the renowned Twickenham grounds, rugby’s home. Talented expat Amanda Cahill is assisting the team’s preparation by organising some of her team mates to join the AMWR training so there are the numbers to run 2 full 7-a-side teams of good players against each other as part of the run-up to the game. This is proving very beneficial to Aotearoa's’ preparation. ENDS.

HISTORIC FIRST FOR AOTEAROA WOMEN.

The Aotearoa Maori women’s sevens team are set to make history with their one-off invitation match against the England national women’s sevens team at Twickenham on Sunday 25th May (London time). No NZ women’s rugby teams have ever played at the hallowed Twickenham grounds, the home of rugby, before. “It is an awe inspiring place”, said Victoria Blackledge, Aotearoa Captain, from London, “ and just being there is an amazing experience.” When filled to capacity Twickenham holds more than 100,000 people. The Aotearoa/England game is scheduled immediately prior to the men’s sevens finals at Twickenham and is expected to attract huge crowds. There will be extensive media coverage by the BBC and other British and European news media. Sky Sports’ Rugby Channel is expected to carry the Aotearoa game as part of its scheduled Day 2 live coverage of the IRB England Sevens commencing at 10 p.m. Saturday night (NZ time). ENDS

AOTEAROA LOSE OUT IN FINALS TO ENGLAND

The pressures of long haul travel, insufficient rest and a gruelling tournament schedule of unusually tough draws, some bruising plays, and 11 games over 2 days, caught up with Aotearoa in their second match against the powerful English side at the finals today in Amsterdam. Aotearoa lost to England 24-5, breaking their nine year unbeaten record. This result whilst saddening was not really surprising: AMWR have played magnificent 7’s with courage and flair throughout the Amsterdam tournament and the injuries from earlier games plus sheer exhaustion had caught up with them by finals time. However the team have a return match opportunity against England, who are a very good team, in a one off invitation match at Twickenham on Sunday 25th May, at 16.22 p.m. (London time), immediately prior to the IRB men’s 7’s finals. The BBC will have extensive coverage of this event and it is hoped that in NZ Sky Sports will carry this game live on the rugby channel and again on Sky Sports Three when a solid five hours coverage of the last of the Twickenham finals is scheduled Monday next. The AMWR team have now returned to their hotel for a well-deserved rest prior to departing for Paris in the morning. ENDS.

AMWR WOMEN BEAT BRAZIL (AGAIN) 40-0 IN AMSTERDAM SEMIS

The Aotearoa team have beaten Brazil for the second time on Day Two of the Amsterdam Heineken 7’s tournament, by a comfortable 40-0. Despite being soundly beaten the Brazil team regard the AMWR team as something of a legend who clearly set the benchmark for 7’s talent and skills. The AMWR team are proving a considerable drawcard at the tournament, attracting large crowds including many Kiwis who have become aware the team are competing at Amsterdam so are coming down to the Sportpark venue to offer AMWR their support. AMWR’s win now sets them clear for the finals, to be run very shortly following the semis. Aotearoa will come up against the other finalist England, for the second time also today. ENDS

AOTEAROA BEATS FIRED-UP ENGLAND TEAM 19-7, WINS THROUGH TO SEMIS.

In a brutal game AMWR have just beaten the tough England team 19-7. Karley Te Kawa scored the first try, and Anna Richards converted it, putting AMWR into the lead 7-0 at half time. England came back and scored a very good try under the posts 3 minutes into the second half, making it 7-all. Coach Peter Joseph said, “England is a very good team and our girls had to dig deep again. Using her skills and speed, Captain Victoria Blackledge scored a wonderful try that Selica Winiata converted. But we knew we still weren’t safe at 14-7. If England scored again and the score remained level at the end of the game, they would have won the pool and had an easier path through to the final. That’s what we wanted for ourselves, as well as protecting our nine-year unbeaten record”. In the last 2 minutes of play England had been on the attack. They turned over possession and Selica Winiata sprinted 70 metres to score. Conversion sealed an emphatic and magnificent win for Aotearoa. The team are now taking a well-earned lunch break before the semi finals, in which it seems likely they will again be up against Brazil. ENDS.

AOTEAROA BEAT SUZIE’S VALKYRIES 40-0.

The AMWR team have just notched up a comprehensive win over the powerful Suzie’s Valkyries team 40-0. The Valkyries are a strong team but the skills and speed of the smaller Aotearoa players proved too good. “It’s hard to single anyone out when they all played so well”, said Peter Joseph immediately after the game, “but this was a Victoria Blackledge and Selica Winiata show in that Victoria and Selica each scored 3 tries. Without wanting to sound arrogant, our players were just too classy. What they lacked in size they more than made up in terms of sheer guts and heart against their much bigger opponents”. However tournament organisational problems continue to test the AMWR team. “The draw we were given this morning stated we were playing the Valkyries on Field 7, which is over the far side of the Sportpark Complex. But 5 minutes prior to start time we heard an announcement saying we had to be on Field No. 1 in less than 5 minutes, on the other side of the complex. So our players who were in the midst of preparation for the game had to pack up their gear bags and hotfoot it over to the other side. No explanation has been given for this misinformation, which could have cost us the game and was quite unsettling for the team”. However once the game got under way AMWR proved too good for the Valkyries. If the draw AMWR were given this morning is still correct then the team will not get a lunch break and will take the field against England in less than half an hour’s time, at 1 p.m. (Amsterdam time). ENDS.

NEWS FLASH: AMWR WIN FIRST QUARTERFINAL GAME 12-5.

Aotearoa have just won against Canada in a bruising game marred by rough play. This was a disappointing game in terms of the style of play used by Canada, which resulted in injuries to Aotearoa’s players and has left one unable to take further part in the tournament. Canada scored the first goal to go up 5-nil against AMWR. However from that point forward the Aotearoa team mounted a strong defence. AMWR took the lead with 2 well worked tries, bringing the score to 12-5. Despite 2 penalties against AMWR right on the line, and virtually at the last minute of the game, the Aotearoa team held Canada out with aggressive, solid defence. “Although we are physically a much smaller team than those we are coming up against, there is tremendous heart in the team, and this showed in our defence”, said Coach Joseph. “We held Canada scoreless for the second half”. The AMWR now have less than an hour before their next quarter- finals encounter against the powerful Suzie’s Valkyries internationals. ENDS.

AOTEAROA GIVEN SURPRISING DAY TWO DRAW BUT USA HANDED A SEMIS BERTH.

JUST IN FROM AMSTERDAM. AMWR’s quarter finals draw for Day Two of the Amsterdam Heineken International 7’s tournament, which the team has just been given, is something of a surprise. Given Aotearoa’s Day One points total they would be expected to have to play either England or Canada (two out of the three other top points scorers) but not both in the same draw. Given that only the top two teams will go through to the semis it does make the task quite difficult for Aotearoa. In contrast the draw for the other pool appears to have handed the USA, the top Day One points scorer, a semi-finals berth. Aotearoa, who have scored 214 points with none against them in the tournament so far, have been pitted against the topmost teams, England (Samurai St Georges Ladies), Canada, and the strong international team Susie’s Valkyries. Aotearoa are scheduled to play Canada at 10.40 a.m., Suzie’s Valkyries only an hour later at 11.40 a.m, then England at 1 p.m. (Amsterdam times). “This is going to be a very tough day for our team”, said AMWR Coach Peter Joseph. ENDS.

AMWR CLINCHES DAY ONE BY BEATING BRAZIL 33-0 IN FINAL DAY ONE GAME

The AMWR have stormed home in their fourth Amsterdam Heineken International 7's Tournament match to a 33-nil victory over Brazil Gold (the Brazil national team who have already qualified for the inaugural Women’s 7’s World Cup). AMWR were up 19-nil at half time, and clinched the game with Brazil never really looking like a threat against the skilled AMWR players. Aotearoa’s points came from tries scored by Selica Winiata (2 tries) Victoria Blackledge (2 tries), while Karley Te Kawa, one of the team ‘babies’ left the watching crowd literally gasping with a runaway step and try that sealed the Aotearoa win. “This has been a great first day”, said Coach Peter Joseph from the grounds at Amsterdam’s National Rugby Centre, Sportpark de Eendracht. “The team has really gelled. We hope we can keep up this momentum tomorrow”. Day Two of the tournament commences at 10 a.m., with the quarterfinals, semi finals commencing after lunch and the finals scheduled for 4 p.m. (approx). ENDS.

AOTEAROA MAKES IT A TRIFECTA WITH A 63-NIL WIN IN 3RD TOURNAMENT GAME.

The AMWR have beaten the Netherlands Hanze Ladies team 63-nil in their third match of the Amsterdam Heineken 7’s Tournament. Selica Winiata is having a superb tournament , scoring 5 tries, converting 8 tries, and on her own responsible for scoring 41 of the total 63 Aotearoa points in the game. Aotearoa led 35-nil at half time; the second half was cut short at 5 and half minutes by the referee. “ We would probably have gotten a few more points had the game gone full time”, said Peter Joseph, “but this team is really showing what it can do”. The Aotearoa team is proving a big drawcard at the tournament, with crowds gathering to watch them in action at every game. ENDS.

55-NIL SECOND WIN FOR AOTEAROA WOMEN

The AMWR team have just played their second match of the Amsterdam Heineken International 7’s tournament, with a resounding 55-nil win against the Netherlands Pink BaBas. “The team is starting to click”, said Peter Joseph. Selica Winiata took over the captaincy as Victoria Blackledge was rested for this match and played magnificently, leading the forwards and scoring three tries herself in the first half. As Aotearoa rolled in the replacements they all went out and played really well. At half time Aotearoa led 22-nil, and 55-nil at full time. Other try scorers were Teresa Te Tamaki (three tries) Angela McGregor (2 tries) Ngahuri Thompson (1 try) and Chanel Huddleston (1 try). The team’s next game is at 2.20 p.m. (Amsterdam time) against the Netherlands Hanze Ladies. ENDS

AMWR WIN FIRST TOURNAMENT GAME 61-0

The AMWR women racked up a huge 61-nil win against their first tournament opponents, England’s OA Business Class team. Chanel Huddleston scored the first Aotearoa points, in the first 16 seconds of the game. Within the next minute and a half Aotearoa had scored a further two tries, setting the pattern for the game through to its final 61-nil conclusion. “Our players are starting to meld into a cohesive unit”, said Peter Joseph, “ everyone played well, and our two youngest squad members, Dayna Reira and Karley Te Kawa stood out as rising stars." Aotearoa will come up next against the Netherlands Pink BaBas team at 12.40 p.m. (Amsterdam time). ENDS

AMWR FACE TOUGH TOURNAMENT DRAW.

The AMWR team come up against some very tough competition on Day One of the Amsterdam Heineken International 7’s Tournament. The Aotearoa team will play a very strong England team (OA Airlines Business Class) at 11.20 a.m. then the Netherlands Pink BaBas side at 12.40 p.m. Their next draw will see them against the Netherlands Hanze Ladies team at 2.20 p.m., then Brazil Gold at 3.40 p.m. (Amsterdam times). All 4 will be hard-hitting opposition for the AMWR women, with Brazil Gold (the national Brazil team) expected to prove the toughest. ENDS

AMWR REPRESENTATIVES ATTEND OFFICIAL TOURNAMENT OPENING FUNCTION

10 p.m. Friday 16th (Amsterdam). A small group of AMWR players and management attended the official opening event for the Amsterdam Heineken International 7’s on Friday evening, while some other players opted to remain at the hotel and try to catch up on sleep after a draining day competing in the pre-tournament contest today. The team arrived in Amsterdam at 7 am Thursday 15th May (Netherlands time) after a gruelling 24-hour flight broken only by 4 hours in transit at Hong Kong, and are very jet lagged. ENDS.

AOTEAROA WIN PRELIMINARY MATCHES

JUST IN FROM AMSTERDAM. The Aotearoa women’s team have emerged victorious from the preliminary contest today (Friday 16th May) prior to the commencement of the Amsterdam Heineken International 7’s tournament on Saturday 17th May. The AMWR were up against Brazil, winning 66-0, then the Netherlands, winning 40-5. “We had to stop kicking goals in the Brazil game, as Selica Winiata, our goal scorer, several times kicked the ball hard it went over the fence. The last time this happened the ball landed in the canal and floated away”, said Peter Joseph AMWR Coach, “Otherwise the winning margin would probably have been even higher”. In the AMWR's second match, opponents Netherlands were the first to score, to lead 5-nil. However from then on the AMWR team held them out to win by 40-5. “Both wins are a good start”, said Coach Joseph, “especially considering the team are still badly jetlagged, and have not played together as a unit since prior to December 2007, when we held our trials. There are also several new players being blooded, so the team are still finding their feet in playing as a unit. We are going to have our work cut out during the tournament on Saturday and Sunday. It will be a big ask to hold out against the likes of this year’s Hong Kong winners, USA, who have not only been playing constantly over the past 12 months but have now been in Amsterdam in training for several days. The next couple of days are going to be very challenging for the Aotearoa team”. ENDS.

LARGE FUNDS SHORTFALL FOR AOTEAROA TEAM

The AMWR women’s sevens team – the world’s best women’s 7’s team – again face significant financial struggles, with a $20,000 funding shortfall for their Amsterdam-London challenge. The team are totally reliant on their own funding, donations and sponsorship. They have self-funded to a large extent but still face a $20,000 deficit. “We very much appreciate the generous funding support we have received from sponsors NZCT (NZ Community Trust) and First Sovereign Trust - this has enabled us to travel to Amsterdam and London to compete in these two prestigious events. However, we still have a large shortfall, and we will be returning home to continue the fundraising to try and close that gap”, said Coach Joseph. Supporters who wish to donate to the team may forward donations to Aotearoa Maori Women’s 7’s team, P O Box 1594, Rotorua. Cheques should be crossed Not negotiable, A/c Payee Only and made out to Aotearoa Maori Women’s’ 7’s. Please include a return address for receipt. All donations will be most gratefully appreciated. ENDS.

AMWR WOMEN TO PLAY AT TWICKENHAM MONDAY NEXT

Following the Amsterdam Heineken 7's tournament, which commences tomorrow, the AMWR team has been invited to play a one-off match against England as part of the IRB London Emirates Airlines International 7’s. This one off fixture will be played on finals day, Monday May 25th, at Twickenham Stadium. The one off match against England pitches the Number One ranked Aotearoa women’s team against World Number Two, England. The two teams have met only once previously and that was at the Hong Kong International 7’s in 2003, when the Aotearoa team trounced England 26-nil. “What great recognition and a great honour it is for our team to receive this invitation and how great it is for women’s sevens to be accorded this honour, particularly when we are less than ten months out from the inaugural women’s World 7’s Cup”, said Coach Joseph. “This is a wonderful opportunity for our talented young women to play on the world stage and at the home of rugby, which is Twickenham. We are very excited about the London opportunity, and many of our team will be putting their hands up for selection for the official NZ Women’s sevens World Cup squad, whenever that is chosen”. ENDS

AOTEAROA COMPETE AT AMSTERDAM TOMORROW

AMSTERDAM FRI 16th : The AMWR team have arrived in Amsterdam, where they will be competing this weekend in the Amsterdam Heineken International Sevens tournament against 20 other top women’s 7’s teams from throughout the world, including England, USA, Canada and Brazil. “Given the time of year, our preparation has been less than ideal, but we have named a strong mix of experience and exciting new talent to once again fly the flag for Aotearoa/ New Zealand”, said Aotearoa Coach Peter Joseph. “It is going to be a tough assignment, as in Amsterdam we could be playing as many as 9 games over 3 days, which is far more than international men’s sevens teams are ever asked to play as part of the 7’s circuit.” ENDS

Opportunity To Take On Europe's Best

While the door to the Hong Kong 7's has closed for the reigning champions, at least for 2008, another has opened allowing the Aotearoa Maori Women's 7's team to compete against Europes best. The team will compete in the Amsterdam 7's on 17th & 18th May. It is expected to be a strong tournament, with Euro champions England and other quality national and invitational teams competing. "Many of these teams are already preparing for next years world cup" said Aotearoa coach, Peter Joseph. " It should be one of the strongest women's 7's tournaments and will be both a tremendous experience and a wonderful challenge for us" he said. The team to travel to Amsterdam will be finalised at the team's training camp at the end of the month.

Six time champions excluded from Hong Kong 7's

The decision to exclude six time winners, Aotearoa Maori Women’s Seven’s Team, from this years Hong Kong International 7’s Tournament, has been greeted with both disbelief and disappointment. “We had absolutely no inkling that the organisers were considering changing the eligibility criteria until they advised that we would not be receiving an invitation to compete” said Aotearoa Maori Women’s 7’s coach, Peter Joseph. “We would have expected at least the courtesy of being consulted, particularly considering the tremendous support that we have given to make this tournament such a huge international success over the last six years” said Joseph. Tournament organisers have decided that only full national representative teams will be able to participate in the 2008 Hong Kong International Women’s 7’s Tournament. Hong Kong Rugby Union representative, Robbie McRobbie said that their decision is both a reflection of the growth of the tournament, and of the global women’s game. The Aotearoa Maori coach feels that the reasons given for excluding the Aotearoa Maori Women’s team do not make a lot of sense. “If you are wanting to grow the tournament, then you need to have the best players participating” said Joseph. “We have, over the six years that we have been at the Hong Kong tournament, set an extremely high standard and have demonstrated a skill level, fitness, and quality of sevens play that has impressed the IRB, media, spectators, coaches and players” said Joseph. “Maybe we have been too successful for a team that is not a full national representative side” he said. Th

TALENT GALORE AT AMWR INVITATION 7's (21 Dec. 2007)

The top two seeded teams fought out the final of the AMWR Invitation 7's held at Rotorua's International Stadium just prior to Christmas. Pirates from Auckland, with a strong line up of current Aotearoa Maori 7's players and Black Ferns, beat the talented Hawkes Bay team to win the the final - the Donna Morgan Memorial Trophy. Hawkes Bay, containing four current members of the Aotearoa team, beat Pirates in pool play, but were unable to repeat the effort against the classy Aucklanders in the final. "The tournament was a huge success" said Aotearoa Maori Women's 7's selector/coach, Peter Joseph. "The number of good young players on display is encouraging for the future of women's 7's in New Zealand" he said.

NEW ZEALAND’S BEST WOMEN’S 7’S PLAYERS TRIAL FOR INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTS (Rotorua, Thu 18th Jan 2007)

Twenty two of New Zealand’s best women’s rugby sevens players assemble in Rotorua this weekend (20 and 21 January) for a training camp and trial games. The players were selected from the highly successful Aotearoa Maori Women’s Invitation Sevens tournament, held at Rotorua International Stadium, just prior to Christmas. “We were really impressed by the depth of talent on display”, said Peter Joseph, Aotearoa Maori Women’s Sevens selector/coach. “Narrowing the training squad down to twenty-two was difficult, and paring it back to a team of ten, will be even more challenging – there is so much talent available to us”. The Aotearoa team have won every tournament that they have competed in since the team’s inception eight years ago. In this time they have won the prestigious Hong Kong International Women’s 7’s Tournament for a record five consecutive years, and are ranked Number One in the world. The Aotearoa team are totally reliant on their own funding, donations and sponsorship. “We have accepted an invitation to compete at the USA International Women’s 7’s tournament in San Diego in early January”, says Joseph, “but unless we win Lotto in the next week, we will have to miss that and concentrate both our training and fundraising efforts on Hong Kong in March”. The training camp will include speed, endurance and skills testing as well as four trial games on Sunday afternoon at Rotorua International Stadium. ENDS.

2006 AOTEAROA CHAMPS RETURN HOME ON WEDNESDAY 5 APRIL 2006.

The 5th- time Hong Kong 7's champion Aotearoa team return home with their trophy Hong Kong Cup on Wednesday 5 April, arriving at Auckland International Airport on Cathay Pacific Flight CX107 (airbus A340-300), at approx. 11.25 a.m. where they are expected to be greeted with a mihi and welcomed by a strong contingent of supporters. ENDS

AOTEAROA CAPTAIN GETS THE QUINELLA (Hong Kong, 12 Noon, Sunday 2 April)

Last night at the formal after-tournament function charismatic Aotearoa Captain Lavinia Gould was awarded both official Tournament player trophies, Most Valuable Player and, Player of the Tournament. Players from the competing teams besieged the modest Gould with congratulations, and were emphatic in how much they admired her outstanding playing ability and, the Aotearoa team's skills. The team, Coach and management alike were lauded wherever they went, with special congratulations coming from NZ Consul General, Julian Ludbrook personally thanking them all, saying how proud they had made all NZ for their massive achievement. The team celebrated their unprecedented victory last night along with supporters, well wishers and happy fans. Today they plan to spend time relaxing at the Hong Kong mens' tournament and taking in some of the Hong Kong sights. ENDS.

WOW!! FIVE IN A ROW! BRILLIANT AOTEAROA 7’s WIN 5TH HONG KONG CROWN (6 pm (HK) Saturday 1 April 2006).

The Aotearoa Maori Women's 7's have just won their FIFTH consecutive Hong Kong International 7's crown, winning 19-12 against Australia. Overjoyed supporters whooped and cheered for joy when the final whistle went, besieging the team on their victory lap around the massive Hong Kong stadium. “We knew we couldn't draw against Australia, we had to win”, said the ecstatic coach, Peter Joseph from the stadium. “ Australia had scored more points over the whole tournament than us, so we had to beat them”. 15-year-old sensation Shaan Waru sealed the victory and the tournament with the final try for Aotearoa. The outstanding player of the tournament is the Aotearoa Captain Lavinia Gould, who has excited admiration from all sides for her inspirational play throughout the tournament. “The whole team has played out of their skins”, said Joseph, “there’s something special about them that just gives them the grit and flair to win through no matter what the odds”. The Cup presentation immediately following the final saw the huge Hong Kong crowd go mad with cheering and congratulating the AMWR’s gutsy performance. The team will shortly leave the stadium and return to their hotel to freshen up for the formal tournament dinner, which commences at 6 pm (HK time). ENDS.

JUST IN FROM HONG KONG: AOTEAROA MAKE IT THROUGH TO FINALS, SATURDAY 1 APRIL, 3 PM (HK TIME).

The AMWR have just beaten Kazakhstan 25-7, and will play the finals later today, before a capacity sell out crowd in the Hong Kong stadium. “We expected to face a fired-up and physical game from Kazakhstan”, said Coach Joseph, “ the game was straining right from the start, terrific heat and high humidity. We were under pressure in the first half, a lot of penalties went against us and we had to defend our line for 4 of the 7 minutes”. Kazakhstan eventually broke through to take the lead 7-0 with a converted try. A late try set up by Captain Lavinia Gould offloading to try-scorer Rachel Wikeepa, made it 5-7 at half time. “We could see in these conditions it was always going to be a game of the fittest - if we could use our pace to run them around we’d be in with a real chance – and that’s what we did”, said Joseph. Early in the second half Julie Ferguson scored, giving Aotearoa a 10-7 lead. Gould weaved her magic again by carving through the Kazakhstan defence, again offloading to Wikeepa who scored a stunning try in the corner, putting AMWR into the lead 15-7. From then on Aotearoa dominated, with Victoria Blackledge scoring to take it to 20-7. Right after the final hooter went Gould kicked the ball through the Kazakhstan defence and Selica Winiata, who’d come on as a second half replacement, outsprinted them, picked up the ball and scored to make the final result 25-7 to AMWR. The finalist from the other round is Australia, who in a titanic struggle beat the USA 15-0, after a nil-all half time score.The final is scheduled for HK 2.54 p.m. (NZ 6.54 p.m.) today. END

AOTEAROA WIN QUARTER FINALS (5.30 pm Hong Kong time; 10 pm NZ time)

NEWS FLASH: The AMWR team have just won the quarter finals at Hong Kong, comprehensively beating the talented Netherlands team 45-nil. “This really was about a complete performance”, said Aotearoa coach Peter Joseph, immediately after the game, “It’s just what we needed going into the semi-finals tomorrow, particularly as Australia and the USA, one of whom will be in the finals tomorrow afternoon, are unbeaten. The USA have had a great tournament so far, having scored 155 points with none against them in 3 games. We really needed to have an emphatic performance after a slow start, particularly as this was a quarterfinal. The Netherlands had had a win and a narrow loss to Kazakhstan". Aotearoa led 19-nil at half time, finishing with a winning score of 45-nil. “It’s hard to single anyone out when they have all played so well, but Victoria Blackledge has stepped up just at the right time. She scored in the first 30 seconds against the Netherlands, scored again a minute later, and then scored 4 tries in the second half. The other player who has continued to step up all day is the captain Lavinia Gould, she has had an absolutely wonderful game. Lavinia is such an intuitive player - she set up one of the tries, she’s kicked 5 conversions and scored a try herself”, he said. Aotearoa play Kazakhstan, who this afternoon squeaked in with a try at the last minute, to win against China 14-12, in the semifinal tomorrow morning. The semi final is expected to be played tomorrow (Saturday 1 April) at 10.30 a.m. Hong Kong time (2.30 p.m. NZ time). ENDS.

AOTEAROA WIN 2ND GAME 38-0 (Friday 31 March 12 noon, HK Time - 4.45 pm NZ time)

The Aotearoa team have just convincingly beaten Japan 38-0. "This was a much improved effort", said Coach Peter Joseph. Aotearoa scored 6 tries, 4 of which were converted by AMWR Captain Lavinia Gould. Try scorers were Selica Winiata (2 tries) , Victoria Blackledge (2 tries), Lavinia Gould (1 try), Teresa Te Tamaki (1 try). "The team played with tremendous intensity and also showed great flair", said Joseph. "Once they did open up, the tries started coming. We were 19-0 up at half time". The next game for the AMWR will be the quarter-final, due to be played at 3.45 p.m. today (HK time - 7.45 p.m., NZ time). ENDS.

FIRST RESULTS FROM 2006 TOURNAMENT - AMWR WIN (Friday 31 March 10.30 a.m., HK time)

The AMWR have just won their first game at Hong Kong, 7-5, in a very tight match against China. While Aotearoa dominated possession, they were unable to finish a lot of promising moves. Aotearoa were 7-0 up at half time, but China came back with a try in the second half, while Aotearoa had a player in the sin bin. "We'll take it as a win", said Aotearoa Coach Peter Joseph, "and we need to show better finishing quality in our future games". The AMWR's next game is against Japan at 11.20 a.m. (HK time) - 3.20 p.m. NZ time. ENDS.

CHAMPIONS READY TO DEFEND HONG KONG 7'S TITLE 15 March 2006

Aotearoa Maori Women’s Seven’s Team is ready to defend the Hong Kong International 7’s title that they have won for the last four years. “Our training camp last weekend left us with the toughest decision on who to leave out” said Coach, Peter Joseph. “We have a number of new and exciting players in the squad and every one of them is worthy of selection”, he said. “We are confident that the team we have selected is a strong one, able to compete against the best that the rest of the world has to offer”, said Peter Joseph. The squad includes six of last years champion team, two former Aotearoa 7’s representatives, and two new caps. “We have lost Kellie Kiwi to retirement and Stephanie Mortimer and Tessa Te Kahu to injury, but have been able to put together and extremely fit and talented team”, said Peter Joseph. “We are particularly delighted that 15 year old Hawkes Bay school girl, Shaan Waru has made the team as she is a huge rugby talent for the future, and is going to stamp her mark on this prestigious tournament”, he said. The Aotearoa Women’s 7’s depart for Hong on 28 March and look set to meet Australia, the tournaments beaten finalist of the last two years, in the semi-finals. The full Aotearoa team is: Lavinia Gould (Capt); Rachael Savage O’Neill (Wellington); Mere Baker (Canterbury); Selica Winiata (Manawatu); Annie Brown; Rachel Wikeepa (Waikato); Julie Ferguson; Chanel Huddelston; Shaan Waru (Hawkes Bay); Teresa Te Tamaki; Victoria Blackledge (Auckland). Not travelling reserves are:- Deirdre Hakopa; and Te Maari Mac Gregor (Hawkes Bay). E

TEAM FOR HONG KONG FINALISED (Monday 13th March, 9 p.m.)

The selectors have announced the team to travel to Hong Kong to participate in the 2006 Hong Kong Women’s International 7’s at the end of this month. “It’s been a tough decision in arriving at who the non-travelling reserves would be”, said Aotearoa Coach Peter Joseph. “Every squad member at last weekend’s camp proved that they would be worthy representatives to defend the title that this champion team has won for the last four years.” The team announced today is:- Lavinia Gould (Capt.); Rachael Savage-O’Neill (Wellington); Mere Baker (Canterbury); Selica Winiata (Manawatu); Annie Brown, Rachel Wikeepa (Waikato); Teresa Te Tamaki, and Victoria Blackledge (Auckland); Julie Ferguson, Chanel Huddleston, Sharn Waru (Hawkes Bay). The two non-travelling reserves are Deirdre Hakopa and Te Maari MacGregor (Hawkes Bay). The team will assemble in Auckland on 27th March and will depart for Hong Kong the following day. ENDS.

Exciting Squad Named For Hong Kong (14 February 2006)

Last weekend's training camp/trial in Rotorua has left selectors excited about the talent available, but also with a selection headache - who to leave out. "All of the players attending the camp are worthy of selection and would be great representatives for Aotearoa," said Coach, Peter Joseph. "As selectors, our difficult decision was not who to include, but who to leave out. There are a number of exciting new players that are poised to make their Hong Kong debut" he said. A squad of 13 has been named, with three of these to be declared non - travelling reserves, following the final training camp in March. The vastly experienced and talented Lavinia Gould (Wellington), will captain the team. The squad selected for Hong Kong is:- Lavinia Gould (Wellington) Deirdre Hakopa (Hawkes Bay) Chanel Huddleston (Hawkes Bay) Mere Baker (Canterbury) Rachael Savage - O' Neil (Wellington) Teresa Te Tamaki (Auckland) Annie Brown (Waikato) Julie Ferguson (Hawkes Bay) Selica Winiata (Manawatu) Rachel Wikeepa (Waikato) Victoria Blackledge (Auckland) Shaan Waru (Hawkes Bay) Te Maari MacGregor The final squad of 10 will depart for Hong Kong on 28th March. Ends

Strong Training Squad Named for Hong Kong (1 Feb 2006)

Selectors have named a squad of 22 players as they commence preparations for the defence of their Hong Kong title. The squad is a particularly strong one with a mix of experience and new talent. The training squad is: Annie Brown, Rachel Wikeepa, Honey Hireme (Waikato); Tessa Te Kahu, Stephanie Mortimer (Canterbury); Lavinia Gould, Rachael Savage-O'Neill (Wellington); Julie Ferguson, Deidre Hakopa, Chanel Huddleston, Nina Pineaha-Hyslop, Te Maari McGregor, Shaarn Waru, Ngahuri Thompson, Amy Williams (Hawkes Bay); Selica Winiata (Manawatu); Exia Edwards, Pare Mafi (Bay of Plenty); Rona Peters, Letitia McDonald (Counties); Victoria Blackledge, Teresa Te Tamaki (Auckland). The squad will be reduced to 13 following the training camp/trial to be held in Rotorua on 11 and 12 February. The team will depart for Hong Kong on 28th March. ENDS.

LA To Host International Women's 7's Event (22 Jan 2006)

USA Rugby have taken a major step forward in terms of promoting and progressing women's sevens at an international level, with the staging of a women's tournament to be run in conjunction with the IRB men's 7's in Los Angeles on 9 & 10 February. "We congratulate and applaud USA Rugby on their initiative", said Aotearoa Coach Peter Joseph. "Unfortunately we were unable to commit to this tournament due to the short time available in which to find the $30K necessary to fund the team. We looked at endeavouring to put a team together from those who were able to pay their own airfares, however the closeness to Xmas meant that most found this too difficult", he said. "Aotearoa Maori Women's 7's are committed to supporting the USA Rugby initiative next year", said Joseph, "however our priority for 2006 will be to find the necessary funding for the team to again travel to Hong Kong to defend the title that we have won for the last four years". ENDS.

Finalists in Maori Sports Awards for record fourth consecutive year

The Aotearoa Maori Women's seven's team have topped off another impressive year by making the finals of the Team of the year at the 2005 Maori Sports Awards. this is a record fourth consecutive year the the team has made the finals. "We regard it as an honour to be nominated for this prestigious award " said coach Peter Joseph, "to actually be a finalist again is tremendous recognition for the team" More than 70 nominations were received in the Team category and presenter, Tane Norton, commented on how well the two finalists, both international teams, had done to make the final. The Team of the year award was won by the NZ Maori All Blacks.

UPDATE - CUP FINAL HIGHLIGHTS ( 6 am (Hong Kong) Sunday 20th March

Coach Peter Joseph, speaking from Hong Kong a short while ago, described some of the highlights of the very tough Cup final yesterday. "Aotearoa were in the lead with two good tries giving us a 12-0 advantage over Australia, but a late try and conversion from Australia saw the score at 12-7 at half time", he said. " The second half again was a torrid affair. Aotearoa were wanting to score first and put the pressure on Australia. However the opposite happened, and Australia were the one that scored out wide, an unconverted try, to level the score at 12-all". Highlights of the extremely physical rugby played by both teams included a magnificent tackle by Aotearoa’s Rachel Savage which prevented Australia gaining another try, and teenage debut player Selica Winiata, who set the stadium alight with a blistering run from within her own 22 down the touchline and drew all Australian defence across to cover her. A quick release of the ball to Captain Fantastic Annie Brown, who again displayed tremendous vision and understanding of 7’s, sent a long and high pass over the Australian defenders and into the hands of speedster Victoria Blackledge, who ran 45 metres to score under the post. The conversion by Selica Winiata gave Aotearoa a 19-12 lead with 20 seconds left on the clock. The game went on for another 2 minutes. "But it was all Aotearoa and their pressure almost resulted in another try before the final whistle", said Joseph. Following the official Cup function, the triumphant Aotearoa team have been celebrating amidst hundreds of thrilled rugby fans. ENDS.

AWESOME FOURSOME!! MAGNIFICENT AOTEAROA SEVENS DO IT AGAIN - NZ WOMEN TRIUMPH IN FOURTH CONSECUTIVE HONG KONG WOMEN’s 7’s CUP CHAMPIONSHIP (12.30 p.m. (Hong Kong) Saturday 19th March

In a bruising Cup final, the awesome Aotearoa (NZ) Maori Women’s 7’s rugby team have again emerged victorious over Australia, with a final score of 19-12. The game, played in the packed Hong Kong Stadium, was a literal heart-stopper, with some brutal tackles from both sides and Australia clearly having decided to shut down the Aotearoa team’s much smaller speedsters. Coach Peter Joseph, in a hasty update from Hong Kong, was clearly delighted with the final result, in a difficult match which saw each side have one player yellow-carded off the field. “Despite all the obstacles, mainly financial, that this team has had to overcome to get here, they played with real determination and pride to bring about this win”, said Coach Peter Joseph. “The last few minutes of the game really demonstrated the patience, tremendous tactical skills and on-field leadership of Captain Annie Brown. Cool heads were required to achieve this victory and there is no one better to be leading a team when you are in that position than Annie Brown”, he said. The victorious Aotearoa team, who enjoy great popular support from the Hong Kong fans, were swamped with well wishers and congratulations at the close of the game, which went two minutes over time. Coach Joseph is presently being interviewed by the international news media. The formal Cup presentation ceremony will commence shortly. ENDS

“AOTEAROA BRING MAORI SPORTING ACHIEVEMENT TO INTERNATIONAL FOREFRONT”

Minister for Maori Affairs, the Hoin. Parekura Horomia, today expressed strong support and encouragement to the Aotearoa Maori Women’s 7’s rugby team. "The team's achievement in placing Maori in the forefront of an international sporting arena is highly commended" said the Minister, “and I will follow their future accomplishments with great interest". ENDS

AOTEAROA TEAM’S COMMITMENT TO DEVELOPMENT OF WORLD CLASS WOMEN’S RUGBY 7’S, RECOGNISED

The HKRFU have recognised the contribution the Aotearoa team make to the development of world class women’s rugby 7’s. “With the Aotearoa team’s commitment to the development of its players and the sport, we hope to move Women’s Rugby Sevens onto the world arena”, say the HKRFU. “ For the first time, the Cup Final will be held at the Hong Kong Stadium on the Saturday 19th March 2005 at 12.30pm, a key time in front of a sell-out crowd of some 40,000 rugby fans, to display all the skill and grace that women bring to playing rugby sevens.” ENDS

AOTEAROA TO DEFEND HONG KONG TITLE AT WORLD CUP (February 2005)

The Aotearoa Maori Women's Sevens team have accepted the invitation to return to Hong Kong and defend the title that they have won for the last three years. The tournament will be held on 18th and 19th March, with the final to be played as part of the IRB World Cup for men, at the Hong Kong stadium, in front of a capacity crowd.

JONAH LOMU PRESENTS AOTEAROA CHAMPIONS WITH 2004 HONG KONG CUP

International All Black star Jonah Lomu presented the Aotearoa 2004 champions with the prestigious Hong Kong Cup at the official prize giving function earlier today, at Hong Kong. “No one else has matched your spectacular feat in winning this world class trophy three times in a row”, said Lomu, “and I congratulate you on your amazing success. You are an inspiration to the rest of the rugby world.” Coach Peter Joseph said the team had played magnificently and that Aotearoa's combination of experienced talent and fresh young stars had proved unbeatable. The players were showered with praise and congratulations from all sides. “The kiwis over here in particular just love Aotearoa”, said team captains Annie Brown and Kellie Kiwi, “and people keep coming up to us wherever we go and saying “Good on you Aotearoa! Good on you Kiwis!”, and recognising the hard work that PJ (as the players refer to Coach Joseph) and his management team have put in, to get us up to the level we needed to be for Hong Kong, and that PJ has put in to get us over here. All the hard work has paid off”. The team has now returned to their hotel after celebrating their victory, and will spend today sightseeing before rejoining the men’s internationals as spectators at the Hong Kong stadium and, to join the official march past as prize-winners . ENDS.

IRB SAYS AOTEAROA 'THE BEST WOMENS 7's PLAYERS IN THE WORLD'

In the words of the IRB, these are the best women’s 7’s players in the world. The impressive New Zealanders have had to beat off strong contenders from Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Kazakhstan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and the USA with Macau and Hong Kong Barbarians as showcase teams . The Aotearoa team has scored 40 tries and amassed a total of 240 points, with only 5 points scored against them, over the whole of the tournament. Details of each result are posted on the team’s website – amwr.co.nz – under ‘News’. The Hong Kong Women’s 7’s is the unofficial ‘World Cup’ for women’s 7’s rugby – unlike the men’s 7’s circuit, there are no other women’s games at this level, post-Hong Kong - and the battle for supremacy is fought out between the world’s topmost women 7’s players. Also unlike the men, there is no prize money for the winning women’s team. The Aotearoa team have captured the public imagination as a vibrant and determined team that has now racked up an unparalleled three successive championship win at Hong Kong, despite having no funding and being reliant on sponsorship and Coach Joseph’s own personal financial support, to be able to compete at Hong Kong.. The women’s final will be carried by TVNZ in its coverage of the opening of the men’s’ international 7’s at Hong Kong later today. The team also features in a television documentary being filmed by a crew who have accompanied them to Hong Kong, that will be shown on the new Maori TV channel in the near future. Contacts: Hong Kong: Peter Joseph, AMWR Coach, C/- City Garden Hotel, North

MEDIA RELEASE: MAGNIFICENT AOTEAROA WOMEN’S 7’S WIN THIRD SUCCESSIVE HONG KONG CROWN AT 2004 HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL 7’S 2.00 a.m Saturday 27th March 2004.

JUST IN FROM HONG KONG: The Aotearoa Maori Women's 7's , the reigning Hong Kong International 7’s champions, have just won their third consecutive Hong Kong International 7's crown, sweeping the contest with a massive 10-nil win against Australia. Coach Peter Joseph was ecstatic as the media besieged the team during their victory lap of the Hong Kong stadium a few minutes ago. "This is unbelievable", he yelled over the noise of the crowd's cheers, "Aotearoa's determination and sheer guts was absolutely awesome, once again these players have shown us all they can foot it with the best and biggest countries in the world, they are exciting to watch!” In an awesome display of 7’s rugby, the Aotearoa team systematically outplayed the Australian side, scoring two tries to nil in a tough battle for supremacy. Coach Peter Joseph and his management team are thrilled with the victory. “It’s a tremendous achievement for us to win the Hong Kong title for the third year in a row, no one else has come near to this, and it means even more because we worked our butts off to get here”, said Coach Joseph. “I’m so proud of the team and all that they stand for, and especially proud of the new younger players who have debuted at Hong Kong and have really stepped up to the international mark and starred for New Zealand”. “All credit to Australia, this was a very tough final and the Aussies gave us no quarter, significantly outranking our players in size and weight. But our girls were uncompromising in their defence and played a fast, exciting game with flair and intelligence". ENDS.

MAGNIFICENT AOTEAROA 7's WIN 3RD HONG KONG CROWN (27th March 2004)

JUST IN FROM HONG KONG: The Aotearoa Maori Women's 7's have just won their third consecutive Hong Kong International 7's crown, sweeping the contest wih a massive 10-nil win against Australia. Coach Peter Joseph was ecstatic as the media beseiged the team during their victory lap of the Hong Kong stadium a few minutes ago. "This is unbelievable", he yelled over the noise of the crowd's cheers, "Aotearoa's determination and sheer guts was absolutely awesome". The Aotearoa team won by two tries to none, in a bruising contest against a powerful, formidable opponent. The Aotearoa team has scored 40 tries and amassed a total of 240 points, with only 5 points scored against them, over the whole of the tournament. The Aotearoa women's final will be carried on TVNZ later today (Saturday 27th March) in their coverage of the opening of the men's international 7's at Hong Kong. The team also feature in a documentary beng filmed by the Maori Television crew who have accompanied them to Hong Kong, which will screen on the new Maori TV channel that will launch tomorrow (Sunday 28th March) in New Zealand. For further comment, contact Peter Joseph, 027-293-4176; OR 00852 28872888, OR Fax 00852 2887111. NZ Liaison: Shelley Weir, 07-3477-234. ENDS.

NEW STARS SHINE AS AOTEAROA HEAD FOR HONG KONG FINAL (26 March 2004)

The development of players by Aotearoa Maori Women's 7's over the last two years is paying dividends for them in Hong Kong. Two young players on debut - Victoria Blackledge from North Harbour and Amy Turner, Bay of Plenty - have emerged as new stars. 21-year-old Victoria Blackledge is the top try scorer at the tournament, having scored 13 tries. Amy Turner, who celebrated her 20th birthday yesterday on the opening day of the tournament, has scored 6 tries and has stepped in as a frontline player following an injury to Stephanie Mortimer just prior to the tournament commencing. "I'm absolutely thrilled for the team, and these two very talented young players, that they have so easily stepped up to international level and are starring for New Zealand", said Coach Peter Joseph. The Aotearoa team goes into tonight's Hong Kong 7's final against Australia, who they beat in pool play yesterday. Leading into the final the Aotearoa team has scored 38 tries and amassed 230 points, with only 5 points scored against them. ENDS. Contact Peter Joseph, 00852-28872888 or cellphone 027-293-4176 or fax 00852 - 2887111, for more comment.

IRB SETS SEAL OF APPROVAL ON 2004 AOTEAROA WOMEN'S 7'S TEAM

The International Rugby Board (IRB) has recognised the strength of the current Hong Kong International Womens' 7's champions, the Aotearoa Women's 7's Team, calling them ' the impressive New Zealanders' who currently hold the Hong Kong Crown. The IRB's website (http://www.irb.com/intouch) carries an item about the team and the final of the unofficial "World Cup'" for womens' 7's rugby, the prestigious Hong Kong International Womens' 7's, due to be played in the main stadium at Hong Kong this evening (Friday 26th March) before a capacity crowd at 9.25 p.m (Hong Kong time). "These are the best female rugby players in the world' says the IRB. The 2004 Aotearoa team have lived up to their 'impressive' label, beating off all opponents over the past 2 days, and now only their last pool game against SIngapore, stands between them and the finals. Coach Peter Joseph is quietly optimistic that Aotearoa will emerge the pool winners. If he is correct, this great team will again take the field to defend their title, later this evening. ENDS.

AMWR 7's NAMED MAORI SPORTS TEAM OF THE YEAR (29 Nov 2003)

The Aotearoa Maori Women's 7's were awarded the prestigious title of team of the year at the annual Maori Sports Awards last night. The ACC Maori Sports Team of the Year - Nga Ika a Whiro: Aotearoa Maori Women's Rugby 7s - Women's 7s Rugby; number one world ranking; and winners of the Hong Kong 7s and Whangarei International. More than 1200 sporting, political, corporate and community leaders attended the black tie event hosted by Te Tohu Taakaro o Aotearoa Charitable Trust at the Auckland Showgrounds. Temepara Clark (Nga Puhi) - a member of the world champion Silver Ferns squad - won Senior Maori Sportswoman before picking up the supreme award, the Albie Pryor Memorial Sports Person of the Year. End.

AMWR 7's FINALISTS IN MAORI SPORTS AWARDS 2003 (3 November 2003)

World champion athletes Eric Rush and Temepara Clark are among an extraordinary line-up of achievers named today (1/11/03) as finalists in this month's Maori Sports Awards. More than 1200 people will attend the black tie ceremony at the Auckland Showgrounds on Saturday, November 29, while a similar number of youngsters from kura kaupapa Maori (Maori language immersion schools) will meet their sporting heroes the day before at a Tamariki Sports and Cultural Day in South Auckland. Coach Peter Joseph is a finalist for the Unitec Maori Sports Coach - Te Maru o Tumatauenga Award. And for the second year running the AMWR 7's are finalists in the ACC Sports Team - Nga Ika a Whiro Section. ENDS.

AOTEAROA SUCCESSFULLY RETAIN CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE! (29 March 2003)

The Aotearoa Maori Women's Rugby 7's team comprehensively defeated England last night, 27-0, to retain their Hong Kong Championship title. Peter Joseph and his management team were ecstatic with the victory. "It is very rewarding for us to win this title again, moreso than the first time because we had to work our butts off just to get here" said Joseph. "Im proud of the team, especially the new girls who really gave it their all". England were no match in the final for the Aotearoa team. "All credit to the England team who showed everyone they have what it takes to make a championship final" commented Joseph. "We look forward to a big celebration tonight and of course returning home with the trophy next week". The Aotearoa Maori Women's Rugby 7's team would like to thank all of their supporters, family and friends for the awesome tautoko and support during the tournament. "We couldnt have done it without our supporters" said Captain, Kellie Kiwi. The Aotearoa team return to NZ on Monday 31 March 2003, and arrive at Auckland International Airport on Tuesday 1 April 2003 at NZ 11:15 flying Cathay Pacific CX107. Ends.

WEBMAIL ACCOUNT SETUP FOR AOTEAROA WOMEN’S TEAM (24 March 2003)

The Aoteaora Maori Women’s 7’s team depart for Hong Kong today from Auckland International Airport at 13:25 flying Cathay Pacific CX108. Coach Peter Joseph is happy with his new team after a few last minute changes to the makeup of the original squad due to several players withdrawing for personal reasons. “They ran well together yesterday at our final training here in Auckland” said Joseph, “I’m confident we have the right team to front up in Hong Kong this week”. With the team’s departure today, Media Liaison, Lee Timutimu, has setup a webmail (email) account that can be accessed by the team and management whilst they’re in Hong Kong. “This will enable supporters, family, friends and well wishers alike to email their messages of support to the team while they’re in Hong Kong, and can also be used as a general method of communication” said Timutimu. “A webmail account is similar to a “hotmail” account therefore can be accessed from anywhere in the world using the internet. The team will also be able to use this to send messages back to family and friends in NZ, so it’s a great way to keep in touch”. The team webmail address is: amwr@amwr.co.nz Please forward your messages of support to this address. Ends.

AOTEAROA MAORI WOMEN’S 7’S WIN HISTORIC FOURTH SUCCESSIVE WHANGAREI INTERNATIONAL (17 February 2003)

Current Hong Kong Seven’s champions, Aotearoa Maori Women, continue their run of winning every tournament that they have competed in when winning the Whangarei International Seven’s on the weekend. The Aotearoa Squad was split into two teams for the tournament and were competing against the USA and a strong invitation side. The tournament commenced with each of the International sides playing Northland club teams on Friday evening. Both Aotearoa teams had comprehensive wins with the Aotearoa number one side having victories of 54-0 and 52-0, while the number two side won 36-0 and 47-0. The International component of the tournament took place on Saturday with a round robin competition followed by a plate final for the third and fourth place getters and a championship final for first and second in the round robin. The Aotearoa number one team struggled against the USA with a 9-1 penalty count, and while looking the better team, were only able to draw 12 all. The Aotearoa number two team dominated the USA in their match with a 12-5 victory. Both Aotearoa teams had comprehensive victories over the invitation side with the number one team winning 35-0 and the number two team equally impressive with a 31-5 victory. The USA also defeated the invitation side with a score of 19-0. This set up a great final pool match with Aotearoa number one needing to defeat the Aotearoa 2nd team to be certain of a place in the final. “It was a very tense encounter”, said Aotearoa coach, Peter Joseph. “With players in both teams knowing that positions for the final squa

AMWR 7'S FINALIST IN MAORI SPORTS AWARDS 2002

Following their recent success at the Mataatua Sports Awards, the AMWR 7's have been named as a finalist in the TEAM OF THE YEAR category at the Maori Sports Awards for 2002. MSA 2002 is to be held at the Events Centre in Taupo on Saturday 7 December 2002. The other finalists for TEAM OF THE YEAR are Nga Mareikura Manawaru Waka Ama (Under 16 Girls World Champs) and the Squash partnership of Leilani Rorani and Glenn Wilson.

AMWR 7'S WIN TEAM OF YEAR MATAATUA SPORTS AWARDS 2002

The Aotearoa Maori Women's team were chosen as team of the year in the 2002 Mataatua Sports Awards held in Whakatane on Saturday 9 November 2002. They were one of 2 finalists in this category, the other being the young and talented "Legends Dance Group" from Opotiki who were recently ranked as third in the world at the recent Hip Hop dance competition. The team had a strong Mataatua representation that included Merewaakana Kingi (Ngati Awa, Ngati Pukeko, Tuwharetoa), Tamaku Paul (Ngati Awa), Rachel Wikeepa (Ngati Awa, Ngati Pukeko), Krystal Gould (Tuhoe), Justin Tutua (Ngati Awa) and Richie Waiwai (Tuhoe). Media Liaison, Lee Timutimu, accepted the award on the teams behalf as the Telecom National 7's tournament clashed with the awards ceremony.

AMWR 7’S TO MEET WITH PRIME MINISTER (23 April 2002)

Following the success of last weeks function held in Rotorua acknowledging outstanding community achievement, the Aotearoa Maori Women’s Rugby 7’s team have been invited to meet with the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon Helen Clark, to celebrate their recent success at the Hong Kong 7’s. The AMWR 7’s team are scheduled to meet with the Prime Minister today at 3:00pm at the International Stadium in Rotorua. The Prime Minister will acknowledge the team’s outstanding achievement of being the first Maori side ever to win the international Hong Kong 7’s tournament, by meeting with team and coach this afternoon for an informal discussion and some public relations work. The AMWR 7’s are privileged to receive special acknowledgement from the Office of the Prime Minister. The AMWR 7’s beat the US team last month to become champions of the Hong Kong 7’s tournament. Their success was also acknowledged last week at a function recognising outstanding community achievement. END.

AMWR 7’S GIVE THANKS TO SUPPORTERS (26 March 2002)

The Aotearoa Maori Women's Rugby 7's team overcame adversity and lack of financial support to become champions of the Hong Kong 7's tournament 2002. "The team received an overwhelming response from supporters, family and the New Zealand public during the tournament and received heaps of good luck emails and faxes" said Media Liaison, Lee Timutimu. "The team website (www.amwr.co.nz) was also a resounding success with 500 hits registered since it was made available on 17 March 2002." Peter Joseph and his team extend warm thanks to all supporters, whanau and sponsors who gave assistance and support during this campaign. The AMWR 7's wish to acknowledge the following organisations for their support: Auckland University of Technology, Te Puni Kokiri, Ministry of Sport and Recreation, TIASA, Maori Women's Development Corporation, Cathay Pacific, Mai FM88.6, Powerade, StreamCom and The New Zealand Society of Hong Kong. Despite the generous financial support received from sponsors, the AMWR 7's still seek a major sponsor. If you are able to assist the Aotearoa Maori Women's Rugby 7's team please contact Peter Joseph on (07) 346-1989 or (027) 293-4183. END.

AOTEAROA WIN HONG KONG CHAMPIONSHIP! (22 March 2002)

The Aotearoa Maori Women's Rugby 7's team held off a very strong US lineup to become champion's of the Hong Kong Womens 7's series 2002. The AMWR 7's played a huge defensive game in the final conceding the only points scored against them during this tournament. The final score was 14-7 to AMWR. Tries were scored by Rachel Wikeepa and Honey Hireme. Kellie Kiwi 2 conversions. The final game score brought the AMWR 7's total tournament point tally to 173 FOR 7 AGAINST, a huge effort from this exceptional team of athletes. Coach Peter Joseph was ecstatic that his team had won the Hong Kong title. They are the first Maori side ever to win a Hong Kong championship. The Aotearoa Maori Women's Rugby 7's team depart Hong Kong for New Zealand Sunday 24 March 2002. They will arrive in New Zealand at the Auckland International airport on Monday 25 March 2002. END.