Three major injuries threatened to end former Black Fern lock Jackie Patea-Fereti’s rugby career. But she persevered, and now, just weeks away from embarking on the second season of the SKY Super Rugby Aupiki competition, Patea-Fereti has been named 2023 Hurricanes Poua captain.
A reliable and experienced lock, Wainuiomata born and raised, Patea-Fereti made her debut for Wellington in 2006, a part of the first team to beat Auckland in a provincial cup final and has since played 73 games for the side – captaining the Pride for eight seasons since 2012.
Named in the first Hurricanes region women’s team in 2006, Patea-Fereti's career came full circle when she signed for the Hurricanes Poua in 2021, ahead of the inaugural season of Super Rugby Aupiki. The 18-test Black Fern replaces 2022 captain, Sarah Hirini, who has transitioned back to 7s.
Hurricanes Poua Head Coach Victoria Grant said she was thrilled to have a player with Patea-Fereti's experience leading the Poua.
“For more than a decade, Jackie has made a huge commitment and contribution to the women’s game, from club to international level. That’s what I admire most.
“Jax carries that mana, having been a Black Fern and leading the Wellington Pride for many years shows she has the qualities we were looking for in a leader.
“She’s humble, caring and someone that leads by example. And these are only a few qualities that she brings to the table; she’s also an intelligent thinker and student of the game,” said Grant.
Patea-Fereti dealt with three nearly career-ending injuries, the first of which in 2019, when a shoulder injury during a club rugby match ruled her out of contention for the Black Ferns team heading to the Super Series in San Diego.
However, Patea-Fereti prioritised her rehabbing and training, which saw her recover and make it back into the Black Ferns for the Australian tour later that season.
Captaining the Wellington Pride in 2012, 2015-2019 then 2021 onwards, the 36-year-old now has another special moment in her rugby career to look forward to – captaining the Hurricanes Poua in the second Super Rugby Aupiki competition kicking off in February.
“It’s a huge honour to be named captain of the Hurricanes Poua. I have big shoes to fill with Gossy going back to 7s, but with a number of great leaders beside me I’ll be alright.
“I’m blessed to be playing for the region I grew up in and the club I’ve supported for a very long time, alongside really talented women, many of whom I have spent several years playing alongside or against.
“It's an exciting time with the season kicking off in a few weeks, especially seeing a number of my team mates hopefully making their debut,” said Patea-Fereti.
Patea-Fereti is the most capped player to have worn the black and gold jersey of the Wellington Pride with 73 matches, captaining the side 48 times.
2023 SKY Super Rugby Aupiki kicks off on Saturday 25 February, with the Hurricanes Poua taking on the Chiefs Manawa in the competition opener at Levin Domain.
Prior to that, the Poua will host Matatū at Porirua Park on February 18 at 11:30am for a preseason hit out, offering free entry for all.