The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union congratulates the 38 young women selected for the Volcanix 2022 Farah Palmer Cup (presented by Bunnings Warehouse) squad.   

They officially begin their pre-season campaign with a friendly against Counties Manukau at Navigation Homes Stadium on July 9 from 2.30pm.  

"We're excited at the potential of our squad this season," says Volcanix Head Coach Brent Kaua. 

"We have a young group of women ready to put their hands up. It's also a great boost having our Black Ferns members available for this year's FPC, not just for us but the whole competition."  

The Volcanix have their BYE game during the first week of the FPC competition before flying down to Palmerston North to play the Cyclones on July 24. They return home the following week for a Blake Park clash against Auckland.  

Bay pride runs deep in this year's squad with a total of seven Bay of Plenty Rugby clubs represented among the 38 players. With Volcanix players representing the blue and gold from as far as Opotiki, it speaks to the incredible commitment these young women will make to be a part of the Volcanix 2022 campaign.

The squad will retain most of their 'star power' this season after their 2021 campaign was challenged with injury.   

Natalie Delamere, Luka Connor, Kendra Reynolds, Les Elder, Renee Wickliffe, Kelsie Wills, and Pia Tapsell are all Black Ferns capped talent who will take the field this season. 

However, the Volcanix sadly say goodbye to Black Ferns prop Angel Mulu who has taken her talents to the Wellington Pride this season. 

“We love Angel. She’s a great human and we wish her all the best in Wellington. She is now based down there so it makes sense that she plays there. We had a good convo, and we want to make sure she has the best preparation to ultimately make the World Cup,” says Kaua. 

The draw for the Volcanix 2022 season can be found here. 

2022 Bay of Plenty Volcanix squad  
Animei Skudder (Waikite) 
Azalleyah Maaka (Rangataua) 
Baye Jacob (Rangiuru) 
Brooklyn Teki-Joyce (Rangataua) 
Emma Flynn (Poroporo) 
Grace Kahle (Rangataua) 
Grace Parata-Stewart (Mount Maunganui) 
He'lena Dou'ble (Waikite)  
Helena Coughlan (Opotiki) 
Jayjay Taylor (Mount Maunganui) 
Jesse Wharekura (Rangiuru) 
Kalyn Takitimu-Cook (Mount Maunganui) 
Kanyon Paul (Rangataua) 
Kataraina Stainton (Waikite) 
Kate Henwood (Opotiki) 
Kelsie Wills (Mount Maunganui) 
Kendra Reynolds (Rangiuru) 
Kiki Tahere (Rangataua) 
Kiri Ngawati (Rangataua)  
Les Elder (Rangataua) 
Luka Connor (Rangataua) 
Myracle Monga (Rangiuru) 
Natalie Delamere (Mount Maunganui) 
Olive Watherston (Mount Maunganui) 
Olivia Richardson (Rangataua) 
Ora Williams (Rangiuru) 
Payton Takimoana (Mount Maunganui) 
Phoenix Paniora (Poroporo) 
Pia Tapsell (Rangataua) 
Renee Wickliffe (Rangataua) 
Ruby Tawa (Rangataua) 
Santo Taumata (Rangiuru) 
Sapphire Williams (Rangiuru) 
Shaye Adams (Rangataua) 
Sheniqua Taula (Rangataua) 
Tayla Manu-Pym (Mount Maunganui) 
Te Urupounamu McGarvey (Rangiuru) 
Tynealle Fitzgerald (Mount Maunganui) 

2022 Bay of Plenty Volcanix Management Group   
Head Coach: Brent Kaua   
Assistant Coach: Jarvy Aoake   
Technical Advisor: Crystal Kaua   
Manager: Susan Karl   
Strength & Conditioning Trainer: Tasmyn Jackson    
Assistant Strength & Conditioning Trainer: Brandon Manual 

Article added: Friday 08 July 2022