The Thunderbirds
The Women’s team at College Rifles began in 1996 after Tracey Lemon and Anna Richards were asked to start up a team. The team was originally made up of women from other clubs who wanted a bit of a change and some new players. The team had immediate success by winning the club championship that year in a close fought contest against Marist. This started, what has become, a great rivalry between the two clubs.
The Thunderbirds have won the Auckland Club Championship in 1996/1997/1998/2002/2004/2007/2008. The team has contested every final since their inception apart from two in 1999 and 2005.
The Thunderbirds also have a fine history in having players represent Auckland, New Zealand and Samoa.
Black Fern Reps
Anna Richards, Tracey Lemon, Rochelle Martin, Regina Sheck, Fiona Richards, Cheryl Waaka, Louisa Wall, Vicki Cunningham, Toni Konui, Monalisa Codling, Melody Robinson, Emma Jensen, Oka Otagavaia, Mere Kingi, Hannah Porter, Joan Sione, Vita Robinson, Doris Taufateau.
New Zealand Sevens Reps
Anna Richards, Hannah Porter, Angela McGregor
Samoan Reps
Oka Otagavaia, Helen Leota
2008 Auckland Reps
Doris Taufateau, Fionna Timoteo, Monalisa Codling, Vita Robinson, Lidia Crossman, Emma Jensen, Anna Richards, Hannah Porter, Tiana Ngawati, Anita