This Saturday at Rugby Park in front of a home crowd a special milestone awaits as co-captain TeRauoriwa Gapper prepares to pull on the red and black jersey for the 50th time.

 Originally ruling the netball court, and dabbling in a bit of touch, it was a shoulder tap from Canterbury legend Kendra Cocksedge that had TeRauoriwa Gapper’s  lacing up the boots to play for UC. Describing herself as a competitive person who is always looking to improve, it’s no surpise that Gapper went on to debut for Canterbury in the same year.“Playing for Canterbury is a pretty special legacy to be a part of, theres so many quality players that I now call friends, and leaders that have also gone on to higher honours.”

  A career spanning 10 years, it’s fair to say the journey has had both triumphs and tribulations. The epitome of resilient, Gapper has had her fair share of setbacks including a few broken bones and knocks to the head. “Injuries are always tough, it’s a short season so the want to bounce back and be better is always there” she said.

 A super Mum of three, and teacher at Avonside by day, Gapper accredits her success to her amazing support network holding down the fort at home. With three gym sessions a week on top of their three field sessions, travel days, and of course game day, going into the 10 week compacted season could also be described as entering survival mode. “There will be days where I drop the kids off in the morning andI don’t see them again until the next day, but I like to think they’re proud of what I do and I always want to show them that anythings possible.” A special legacy to be a part “theres so many quality players that I now call friends, and leaders that have also gone on to higher honours”, said Gapper.

 Although clocking 100 may be off the cards the determination to continue with the code until her body gives up runs deep, “I never would of thought 5 years ago that I would be clocking 50 for Canterbury, I’m so content right now and really enjoying my rugby, I love to grow, and to continue to help others grow.” With several titles under her belt it’s the 2021 win that Gapper remembers most “It was my first season playing 10 which was massive, I truly couldn't kick when I first started , it was actually Tony Christie who gave up so much of his time to mould me into the 10 I am today.”

 Reflecting on last year with such a young squad, and so many players debuting, Canterbury were all but “ruled out” by their fellow competitors. Finding themselves in the final after a close win against Counties Manakau, an impressive battle againstWaikato had the team narrowly missing out on the silverware. “I was so proud ofthe girls for our effort in even making the final, it was such an intense game, but we obviously want to go one step further this year”.

 Looking ahead at tomorrows game theres no doubt Counties Manakau will be out for revenge “they’re a different breed and play a different brand of rugby” said Gapper. The North Island team coming off a 1 point loss last week “we know they will be chasing a win, we just have to focus on our game and bring our best.”

The game kicks off 2:05pm and promises to be the ultimate afternoon out with a family fun zone and food truck onsite. $10 at the gate and Kids 10 and under go free! Can’t make the match? Its free to air on youtube https://www.youtube.com/live/ZKR8jW9rSIM. “Fans are what make our world go round, when they’re loud for us at home it truly feels like another player on the field. Playing at a full Rugby Park I don’t believe we can get beaten”

(Comments from Kendra & Steph to come)

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