The coaching groups for the upcoming North vs South Women’s Series have been confirmed, including several players taking on coaching roles.
The three-game series will run across three weekends from late September to mid-October following on for last year’s successful pilot, with games played at Southern Lions RUFC, Nedlands Rugby Club and UWA Rugby Club.
The North vs South concept is geared towards identifying and developing the top female talent across Western Australia, providing meaningful and high-quality match opportunities.
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As part of that, Force players Anneka Stephens, Trilleen Pomare, Alapeta Ngauamo, Sera Naiqama and Ngamihi Monk have taken up the opportunity to upskill in the North coaching group.
They’ll be joined by Force assistant coach Martin Asiata and Wanneroo’s women’s head coach Des Taurima fresh from three straight Fortescue Women’s Premier Grade premierships.
Stephens will provide a defence and breakdown focus, while former Wallaroo Trilleen Pomare will also have a focus on defence.
Recently retired prop Ngauamo will be a scrum specialist for North. Naiqama and Monk, who are both currently sidelined with injury, will also contribute their specialist knowledge to the backs and lineout respectively.
Former Force prop Kieran Longbottom, who helped the side’s forwards during the 2024 Japan Tour, is among the coaching group for South. He’ll be joined by Force defence coach Dwayne Grace who’ll have a focus on attack and backs.
Among the South coaches are also Perth Bayswater women’s head coach Adam Munro, who’ll have a defence focus and Cottesloe women’s assistant coach Jack Ellis, who’ll provide support for the attack and backs. Aaron Herewini will provide support for South’s forwards.
Neither side will name an official head coach, with coaches rotating the role game by game.
The seven Fortescue Women’s Premier Grade clubs have been split into two regions, with Wests Scarborough, Wanneroo and Perth Bayswater representing the North and Palmyra, Southern Lions, Kalamunda and Cottesloe representing the South.
Selection will be based on club performances, previous Academy involvements and talent identification from Force and RugbyWA staff. Training commenced earlier this week, with the playing squads to be announced soon.
The opening game will be played at Southern Lions on Saturday 26 September from 12pm.
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NORTH
Coaches
Martin Asiata
Ngamihi Monk
Sera Naiqama
Alapeta Ngauamo
Trilleen Pomare
Anneka Stephens
Des Taurima
Lise Seve (Team Manager)
Evan Stacey (S&C)
SOUTH
Coaches
Jack Ellis
Dwayne Grace
Aaron Herewini
Kieran Longbottom
Adam Munro
Ele Mahaki (Team Manager)
Nippy Paea (Team Manager)
North vs South Women’s Series
Saturday 26 September, 12pm – Southern Lions RUFC, Success Regional Sport & Community Facility
Saturday 3 October, 12pm – Nedlands Rugby Club, Charles Court Reserve
Saturday 10 October, 12pm – UWA Rugby Club, UWA Sports Park
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