Christchurch FC Women vs UCRFC Women (59-17)

Momomi Takahashi (ChCh FC): “It was a first for me to play on the wing in the women’s final, but I managed to enjoy the experience without getting too nervous. For me to have played every minute of every game this season in the team that won the final, and to also have scored a try in that final is something that I will treasure for the rest of my life. Playing in a team with so many provincial representatives meant that I learned a lot, not only about technical aspects of rugby, but also about how to approach the game. When things didn’t quite go the way I’d wanted in the game my team-mates were always positive towards me, allowing me to try to express myself freely in the field. Playing in this team this year and winning the competition was just fantastic!”

Momoko Fujita (ChCh FC): “When I started playing senior women’s rugby this season there were many things that I didn’t understand, but I was able to really enjoy my season here thanks to the kind support of the players around me. I only got on the field for a short time in the final but I’m glad that I managed to stay a part of the team to the very end. The moment that the final whistle went and we had won the championship, I felt so happy that I had been a member of Christchurch FC. Having played with the ladies at Christchurch FC will be a memory that I hold dearly for the rest of my life.”

Hinata Komaki (ChCh FC): “Playing for Christchurch FC in today’s final, with so many spectators in the stadium, I really got a sense that I was in the world’s strongest rugby-playing country. During the game it was really pleasing to be praised for making some effective carries and some chop-tackles to stop the UC ball-carriers from penalties. I am very grateful to all the people who helped me gain the various experiences I had playing for Christchurch FC. I know that all the things I learned playing for this team will stand me in good stead as I move forward with my rugby. I now look forward to refocusing on playing schoolgirl rugby and doing my best in the UC Cup.”

Seika Noguchi (UC): “I found it tough not being selected to play in the final. But at the party held afterwards everyone made a point of consoling me, which lifted my spirits. I will never forget the emotions involved in today’s game. I promised my team-mates to come back at some stage to play together to get our revenge. In order to that I will do my best back in Japan to develop further as a player. I’m really glad to have made some great friends in the UC team.”

Hille Janssen (UC): “In the last five months I’ve had the amazing opportunity to play and train with the University Women’s rugby team. The skill level was very high and the atmosphere very professional. I met some amazing people, learned a lot about rugby and felt very supported by my coaches and teammates. Compared to last year it was a very new team. Lots of us hadn’t played together before, but it was great to sense our progress through the season. I worked very hard and managed to earn myself a starting spot in most of the games. Throughout the season we had some trouble with injuries and sickness, but we still managed to make it into the Premier Finals in the end. The finals were played at Rugby Park, a small stadium in Christchurch, which is also the training ground of the Crusaders. It was a very exciting opportunity to play in an environment like that and I have never played a game with that many spectators before. In the end, Christchurch deservedly beat us. Our attack was good, but our defence lacked the commitment and the technique needed to stop Christchurch from scoring. Nevertheless, it was an honour for me to be part of this team - I am very grateful for this opportunity.”