GRR on X  GRR on Facebook GRR in Instagram GRR Vimeo Library GRR on YouTube RuggaMatrix America Podcasts Support GRR on Patreon

Hawaii Pumps Up PNW All-Star Tourney

irish rugby tours

Hawaii Pumps Up PNW All-Star Tourney

State finalists Kahuku (red) and Hilo Reign (stripes) supplied the all-star team. (Photo: Ricky K. Ogata)

The prevalence of Hawaiian players on women’s college teams has increased in the last couple of years, with programs like Notre Dame College and Lindenwood leading the recruitment effort. At the end of June, Hawaii will bring its all-star team to the mainland and join the Pacific Northwest Challenge, one of seven Regional Cup Tournaments occurring around the country this month.

 

 

Head coach Nusi Tukuafu selected his squad during the Hawaii State Championship, which Hilo Reign won for the third year in a row. Kahuku showcased some excellent talent in the 27-14 loss and its players punch up the forward attack.

“This is a very young team,” Tukuafu said of the 17-player roster. “We only have five seniors, and there are four freshmen on the starting lineup. Eleven players on the roster are first-year players, all coming from Kahuku Girls Rugby Club.”

Kahuku has contributed three seniors – prop Ka’a Kanoa, flanker Marquesa Suesue, and wing Jamaisha Farley – who will be attending Lindenwood in the fall. The backline is comprised of mostly Hilo Reign players.

“The Hilo Reign backs are very experienced, having played together at the 2014 LVI 7s tournament, and winning the Hawaii state championship for the past three years,” Tukuafu explained.

Hawaii will test itself against the Oregon Red Hawks, Washington Loggers, and exciting new addition Montana selects. The Loggers have finalized their lineup (see here), while the Red Hawks and Montana are using the weekend to tidy up their rosters.

A full list all of the all-star rosters will be found here, with updates occurring as the lineups come across. (Tabs at the bottom of the spreadsheet separate out each event)

Hawaii Girls All Stars
Forwards
Prop Erica Larsen (Kona Bulls)
Prop Kanoa Keliikaapuni (Kahuku)
Hooker Akanese Tito (Kahuku)
Lock Harley Hurlbut (Kahuku)
Lock Tiara Letoi (Kahuku)
Flanker Amberae Falemalu (Kahuku)
Flanker Marquesa Suesue (Kahuku)
No. 8 Mailamin Yulian (Hilo Reign)

Backs
Scrumhalf Weresita Poch (Hilo Reign)
Flyhalf Ka'iulani Fa'anunu (Hilo Reign)
Inside Center Susana(Paki) Holika (Hilo Reign)
Outside Center Raevyn Kaupu (Hilo Reign)
Wing Jess Lessary (Kahuku)
Wing Jamaisha Farley (Kahuku)
Fullback Asinaulu Holika (Hilo Reign)

Reserves
Forward Noelle Auelua (Kahuku)
Back Naitia Auelua (Kahuku)