In 2020, the Otamatea Hawks Women’s Rugby team stepped off the field for what many thought would be the last time. Fast forward and five years later, they’ve come back stronger, united by culture, connection and the collective power of community.
Located in the Kaipara region of Northland, the Otamatea Hawks have long been a proud part of Aotearoa’s local rugby story. As a Rugby For Life club since 2024 and the support of their dedicated RFL Club Coordinator Chantelle Peeni - in 2025, something special happened - wāhine from all walks of life answered the call to reignite a team built on more than just sport. Led by coach Bron Hames, the Otamatea Hawks Women’s Rugby team is back, and they’re making impact well beyond the scoreline.
It all started with a vision. When Bron first approached the club about restarting a women’s side, the committee backed her completely. With her deep rugby knowledge and proven leadership, they knew she could turn the idea into reality.
Like many grassroots comebacks, it wasn't smooth sailing.
"We nearly pulled the pin," Bron admits, reflecting on the slow early interest. "But we stuck with it, and the numbers just started climbing."
Against the odds, 41 wāhine registered to play this season – more than half had never played rugby before. Among them are three mother–daughter duos and three players invited into the Northland Women’s HP wider training squad. A huge step forward for the club, and a proud moment for whānau across the region.
For Bron, the goal was never just about fielding a team — it was about creating a safe, empowering space for women in her community.
“I wanted to use rugby as a way to empower the wāhine of my community,” Bron says. “My focus was to build a great culture. Somewhere our wāhine could come and just be themselves - no matter what walk of life. A place where they felt safe, valued, and heard.”
That focus spread like wildfire. Word got out, and before long, new players were showing up each week. The sense of belonging became the team’s biggest strength.
One of the greatest highlights this season? Watching confidence grow and connections deepen.
“Turning up to training each week and seeing a new face (or two) - that was special. And watching how quickly the team gelled, supported each other, and got stuck into learning - that’s what it’s all about.”
The culture embraced both first-timers and experienced players, creating a space where learning and leadership happened side by side.
Rebuilding from the ground up is no easy feat. With new players joining mid-season, the team had to balance match readiness with basic skill development.
“We had to juggle where we were in the season plan while helping new players get the basics they needed to be safe on the field,” says Bron. “It worked because the team didn’t mind going back to those core skills - and our senior players stepped up with one-on-one support. That kind of generosity makes all the difference.”
The collaborative, inclusive style quickly became a hallmark of Otamatea Hawks Women’s Rugby.
The impact of the Otamatea Hawks Women’s Rugby return goes far beyond the game.
“Rugby is more than just a sport,” says Bron. “It helps with mental and physical wellbeing. It gives people a sense of purpose. And now, for young girls in our area, it shows that there’s a real pathway right here — they don’t have to leave home to chase their dreams.”
This is the power of community-led sport. A space where youth can dream, women can lead and everyone benefits.
As momentum builds, so does the vision. Bron is already looking ahead to 2026 and beyond.
“We’re going to keep building on this amazing culture. Keep focusing on strong basics. And most importantly, keep having fun.”
The future of women’s rugby in Kaipara is bright - built on inclusion, courage and the undeniable strength of community.
Interested in joining the movement or supporting women’s rugby in Northland? Reach out to the Otamatea Hawks Rugby Club or follow their journey on Facebook to get involved.
What’s happening in Otamatea speaks to the very heart of Rugby For Life — community-led, inclusive, future-focused sport. Through rugby, the Hawks have created something powerful: a space where leadership is shared, connections are deepened, and every woman has the chance to belong.
Let’s keep the momentum going - when community leads the way, incredible things happen.