For New Zealand women’s rep Kelsey Teneti, this weekend’s Mini International Women’s 7s Tournament at Albert Park in Suva will be all about growth and development.
The 22-year-old is part of the 19-member Black Ferns side that will compete in the tournament that will be featuring the top four teams in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series this weekend.
“For me, this weekend is all about growth and development as most of us haven’t been back on the field since the world series last year,” the former Hamilton Girls’ High student said.
“It’s great to be back in Fiji, we just love the culture here and the people, so we have been enjoying our stay so far.”
Teneti was contracted by the Black Ferns when she was 20 years old, straight after high school, and has been with the team since.
“I’ve been with the team for the past two years, so I am still a baby in the squad,” she said laughingly. The Black Ferns will be playing Fiji and Australia on Saturday, and Teneti is expecting a tough battle.
“We know for sure that playing the Fijiana will be a huge challenge, they’re just amazing players and wonderful people. But we are looking forward to the tournament, and the girls are all excited to be here. This isn’t my first time in Fiji, we were here with the team last year for a 7s tournament, and I am happy to be back.”
