Auckland defeated Bay of Plenty 62–21 at Tauranga Domain, with EGGS student Mikaya Tonga making her Auckland debut in spectacular fashion, scoring three tries to complete a hat-trick. Fellow EGGS student Emacyn Ieremia also featured for Auckland, contributing five conversions.
Eloise Blackwell Reaches 100 Auckland Games
It was a memorable day for EGGS rugby as Physical Education teacher and First XV coach Eloise Blackwell celebrated her 100th appearance for the Auckland Women’s Rugby team. The occasion was made even more special by EGGS students making their mark on the field alongside her.
For Eloise, the match marked a remarkable milestone in a career that has included 46 appearances for the Black Ferns and a Rugby World Cup title in 2017. She is only the second Auckland woman to reach 100 appearances for the province, following Fiao’o Fa’amausili.
Eloise has also played an important role in the growth of rugby at EGGS. Under her coaching, the School’s First XV won its first Auckland championship this year and went on to finish third at the National Top Four.
For the students she coaches, Eloise’s impact goes well beyond the rugby field. First XV players describe her as a leader of integrity, humility and passion, and credit her with opening opportunities for them to progress in rugby. They appreciate that, despite everything she has achieved, she is passionate about coaching and leading them.
It was particularly special to reach the milestone alongside students she teaches and coaches at EGGS, with Mikaya’s outstanding debut providing another highlight for our growing rugby programme.
A huge congratulations to Eloise on this remarkable achievement. Reaching 100 games for Auckland is an incredible milestone and a testament to her commitment, longevity and contribution to the game. We are incredibly proud to see her reach this milestone in the Auckland jersey.
Congratulations also to Mikaya and Emacyn on their outstanding contributions to the match.
Read the full story of Eloise’s 100-game milestone in Newsroom’s feature on her.
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