The Maui Wahine Warriors are making the trip to Tropical 7s in Orlando, Fla., this weekend and the opportunity to play contact rugby will be a welcomed return to normalcy.
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“Covid has struck each island differently,” explained Adrienne Pulu, the Maui Rugby Organization treasurer, Kahului Rugby secretary and Hawaii Youth Rugby board member. “On Maui, we are approved for flag only with county-enforced protocols [social distancing, contact tracing, limiting spectators, etc.], ending our high school inter-island 7s series, which was [the] majority of our high school competition.”
But the Wahine Warriors will have the opportunity to play full-fledged 7s in Florida, competing in Pool A of the U18 division.
“Kahului Wahine are a team to watch for sure,” Pulu introduced the squad. “These island girls love to make contact as much as they love to score. It’s always a match to watch when they step on the pitch!
“Our rugby group of girls don’t shy from contact, with mobile strength and size in their forward pack found in freshman Mele Sake, junior Muna Lolohea and senior Lita Kaufononga,” the rugby parent continued. “These girls are hard-headed ballers that make up the forward pack and the foundation of the team. The backs are led by an elusively speedy scrumhalf, sophomore Sini ‘Vaihoi’ Pulu, alongside a scrappy group of backs.”
MAUI WAHINE WARRIORS
Tehani Agacaoili
McKenna Dunlop
Elanna Field
Keleni Jacobs
Kali Kahalehoe
Peatalita Kaufononga
Munalite Lolohea
Sini Pulu
Mele Sake
Lily Tews
Sinele Tongauiha
“Goals for Tropical 7s is to have fun, gain exposure, compete and represent Maui, Hawai’i rugby to the fullest,” Pulu added. “Our girls are hungry for competition and willing to fundraise and travel to Florida to get it.”
The team will compete in a pool with six other teams that hail from coast to coast: Alaska (Anchorage), Fallbrook (SoCal), Gorilla Rugby Academy (Texas), Panther Academy Red (National Development Program rooted in the Southeast), Rogue Ridge (Mich.) and Tigress (N.C.). Aside from the geography, there is a big mix in activity, ranging teams and players who have just been cleared for contact at training, to those that had a full fall 7s season and are currently playing 15s games. As for the Wahine Warriors, there is hope that the Tropical 7s is just the beginning of spring/summer schedule.
“Looking ahead, we are confirmed to participate in NAI7s in July,” Pulu referenced the Salt Lake City, Utah, fixture, “and with restrictions lessening on all islands mid-April, we hope to have some type of inter-island season between then. If not, we will continue to train and scrimmage on island.”
For more information on Tropical 7s, visit www.tropical7s.com.