Te Puke is a town known for its golden kiwifruit, but a new kind of gold is emerging from its local community—in the form of a young, talented rugby player. At just 17 years old, Te Puke High School student Taylor Kingi has earned a spot on the Bay of Plenty Volcanix squad, a significant achievement that places her among the region’s top female rugby players.
For Kingi, this selection isn’t just a career highlight; it’s the culmination of years of hard work, a testament to her dedication, and a clear sign that a new generation of rugby talent is rising in the Bay.
A Game of Firsts, a Passion for Rugby
Taylor’s journey began with a simple desire to “try something new.” At the age of eight or nine, she traded in her netball bib for rugby boots at the Eastern Districts club in Paengaroa. While she enjoyed her early years playing in mixed teams, she admits that being the only girl for “quite a few years” was a challenge. Her first experience on a “proper girls’ team” came in Year 8, when she was part of the Te Puke Intermediate team that competed in the inaugural girls’ Tai Mitchell tournament in 2021. This was a pivotal moment, marking the beginning of her ascent through the ranks of girls’ rugby.
She found her rhythm at first five-eighth, a position she was initially put in because of her strong pass. “I started developing in one position and it became my preferred position,” she says, a statement that speaks to her adaptability and commitment to mastering her craft. From there, her path was a steady climb: under-16s and under-18s for the Bay of Plenty, followed by a move to the Rangataua club this season, a decision that has already paid off with a Baywide Women’s title.
Learning from the Best
Kingi is clear about her goals for the upcoming season with the Volcanix: she is there to learn. Being one of the youngest members of the squad, she understands that this is an opportunity to absorb knowledge from more experienced players. “I’m only just starting,” she says with a humble realism. “I don’t know how much game time I’ll get but I’m just excited to learn from the players around—that will be cool this year.”
She credits her recent success to the guidance she’s received, particularly from the seasoned players at Rangataua and her former under-18 coach. She singles out Rangataua’s fullback Sapphire Tapsell as a source of inspiration and highlights coach Kiki Tahere for pushing her out of her comfort zone. This attitude of continuous learning and growth is what sets Kingi apart and makes her a promising prospect for the future of Bay of Plenty rugby.
A Shock and a Call to Action
The phone call from Volcanix coach Ryan Setefano came as a surprise. “I was very excited, but I was also nervous because I’ve not really been part of that environment before,” Kingi recalls. This mix of excitement and apprehension is a natural response for any young athlete stepping into a professional setting for the first time. However, Kingi’s focus remains on the bigger picture. She is ready to put in the work, develop her running game, and contribute to the team in any way she can, even if it’s from the bench.
Taylor Kingi’s story is a powerful reminder that the journey to the top is built on a foundation of passion, perseverance, and a willingness to learn. Alongside fellow Te Puke players Santo Taumata and Georgia Broughton, she is a shining example of the talent that our local community is producing. As she steps onto the field in the iconic Volcanix jersey, Taylor Kingi is not just representing her high school or her clubs; she is representing Te Puke, and we’ll be watching her journey with great pride.
