Former Black Ferns Sevens star leaves NRLW and signs with Blues
Super Rugby Aupiki has been boosted by the return of former Black Ferns Sevens star Niall Williams-Guthrie, who has signed with the Blues following a stint in the NRLW.
After a decorated Sevens career spanning two Olympic campaigns and two Commonwealth Games events, Williams-Guthrie took the opportunity to play with the Gold Coast Titans in the NRLW in 2023.
After 11 appearances for the Titans in her first rugby league season, the Blues have announced she is returning to Auckland for a stint in the 15s game.
“Anyone that knows me, knows I’m a massive fan of this city and the Blues region. I’m an Aucklander and I can’t wait to represent this place with pride and passion,” said Williams-Guthrie.
“I haven’t played a lot of 15s but I’m here to learn and give where I can. I’m not trying to come in and be the next big thing, but I think I can offer some experience and perspectives from my time with the Sevens.
"I’ve taken on the Muma Bear role in recent years, although I prefer big sis - surely I can still get away with that?!”
Williams-Guthrie will become the second sibling in her family to represent the Blues, her high-profile brother Sonny played for the club for three seasons from 2017-19.
“Sonny jokes around saying I’m trying to copy him and follow him round! But in all seriousness, he’s been a pioneer in putting himself in uncomfortable positions and testing himself.
"I admire him for that and I’ve tried to do the same – when it’s uncomfortable it often leads to something rewarding and exciting.”
For the Super Rugby Aupiki campaign, head Coach Willie Walker is joined by Linda Itunu, Carlos Spencer and Census Johnston on the coaching staff.
The 35-year-old said she remembers chasing after Spencer back in his playing days for an autograph.
“The personnel they have on board for this campaign is crazy, both players and management, there’s so much talent!” Williams-Guthrie said.
“I do remember one moment from back in the day when Carlos came to my school, Avondale College, when he was with the All Blacks. They were heading to get on the bus and I sprinted over, ripped a sheet of my refill pad and shoved it through the fence which he graciously signed for me!”
“I loved his flair and swagger back in the day for the Blues, he epitomised what the club pride itself on and I’m looking forward to working with Carlos, Willie and the rest of the coaching group.”
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All of these media pundits always miss the obvious whenever they analyse what is ailing or assisting the game. Rugby always has contentious points for debate when picking apart individual games and finding fault with itself. All this focus and scrutiny on “speeding up the game”, “high ball in play” etc is all contextual to the fan. As a tv viewer, if you’re absorbed into a game, regardless if your team is playing or not, more ball in play time and action are all byproducts of the contest. A good contest subliminally affects your memory in selectively remembering all the good aspects. A poor contest and your brain has switched off because its a blowout and the result is never in doubt or it’s a real chore to watch and remain engaged throughout. The URC, Top 14 and English premiership are all competitions that feel like there’s real jeopardy each week. The dominance of Super rugby by NZ teams was unhealthy from a sustainable interest perspective. You can’t fault those teams or the players, but the lack of competitions won by SA and Australian teams long term was always going to test the faith and patience of die-hard and casual fans from those regions. SANZAR took their eye off the fans and fans voted with their feet and subscriptions. They were so concerned about expanding their product they forgot the golden rule about broadcasting live sport. Viewers tune in more when there’s an atmosphere and a true contest. You need to fill stadiums to create one, host unions need to do more to service ticket buyers, and this year proves the other, there’s more interest in Super rugby this year only because more games are competitive with less foregone conclusions. All these micro statistics bandied about, only interest the bean counters and trainspotters.
Go to commentsIt’s a good, timely wake up call for NZ Rugby (seem to be a few of them lately!) - sort out the bureaucratic nonsense at board level. We can’t expect to stay the number one option without keeping fans/players engaged. We’ve obviously been bleeding players to league for years but can’t let the floodgates open (although I think this headline is hyperbolic as it’s a result of a recent Warriors pathways system where they are tracking things more closely) Understand the need to focus boys on rugby if they’re at a proud rugby school too, don’t think it’s harsh at all re Barakat in Hamilton. Reward the committed players with squad positions. An elite 1st XV system in NZ has done more for league than they even realise, think it’s good to protect our game further.
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