Terauoriwa Gapper Combining Motherhood and Playing
Coming off a busy few weeks with Matatū, you’d forgive Terauoriwa Gapper if she looked to take a few breaks here and there. However, the mother of three is looking ahead to the club rugby season, thanks to her involvement with the University of Canterbury Premier Women’s side and her kids with Lyttleton and Shirley Boys High School.
It sets up a busy time of year for Gapper, but one that she enjoys and looks forward to every year.
However, the mother of three is looking ahead to the club rugby season, thanks to her involvement with the University of Canterbury Premier Women’s side and her kids with Lyttleton and Shirley Boys High School. It sets up a busy time of year for Gapper, but one that she enjoys and looks forward to every year.
“As we’ve increased the opportunities for us at the high-performance level, it has helped emphasis the importance of club rugby for me.” said Gapper. “With Club Rugby being one of our only pathways for so long, it has provided a great place for the talent and depth in our game to develop, providing that opportunity for anyone to play the game, such as myself when I first started, and grow that skill base.”
Beginning her rugby journey in 2015 following playing netball, Gapper’s career has gone from strength to strength, with the club game a key driver in her success. “Now that we have both Super Rugby and FPC, it is really important for us to still be involved in the club game and help continue that development that has been so key in how we got to where we are now.”
It’s something that Gapper is being able to experience from the sidelines too, with all three of her children playing rugby in the community game, with her two youngest playing out of Lyttleton and her oldest set to play for Shirley Boys High School this year.
“All three of my children played for Lyttleton last year which was pretty cool, and they love playing rugby. For them, it’s all about having fun and the friendships that they have in their rugby team, and the club (Lyttleton) really makes that for them. It’s been awesome to see their love of rugby develop over the last few years.”
“It’s been great too integrating in to a second club, Jaakoby, my oldest, has been there the last five years, so with him playing and my husband, James, coaching, we’ve been able to really feel a part of the Lyttleton club!” said Gapper. “It’s been a very hands-on experience, and there’s some great people out there making the club what it is.”
Since making the leap into the game, Terauoriwa Gapper has certainly enjoyed her experience in the game, urging people to get involved and give it a go in 2022. “It’s really important to give it a go, you learn so much about yourself and the friendships you make are those that will last you a lifetime.” Gapper said, something that she remains the perfect example for as another season awaits!