Te Puke Teen Taylor Kingi Makes Bay of Plenty Volcanix Squad

At just 17 years old, Te Puke High School student Taylor Kingi has been named as one of the youngest members of the 2025 Bay of Plenty Volcanix squad for the Farah Palmer Cup. Kingi began playing rugby at age eight or nine at the Eastern Districts club in Paengaroa, starting on the wing before moving to halfback and eventually settling in the first-five-eighths position.

Kingi's path to the provincial team included playing for her high school in Years 9 and 10, then joining Rangataua, where she played alongside experienced players who helped develop her game. Her coach at Rangataua recommended the move as a way to step up in level, and the club went on to win this season's Bayside Women's title.

While realistic about her chances of game time this season, Kingi said her main goal is to learn from more experienced players. "My goals are to learn off more experienced players and grow my game," she said. "I'm only just starting."

Originally published in Te Puke News by Sun Media.