The sister of All Black promotes a positive focus on sport in the far north

“It was about making it okay, trying new things, and creating a substance-free platform to enjoy each other’s company,” said Ruffie Jerard of the Orauta Comets, the women’s softball team she coached and in which she plays.

When R’phael Jerard returned to Northland a few years ago, she was struck by the lack of athletic facilities and substance-free socializing opportunities.

Fueled by her innate love of sports, Ruffie did something about it.

Softball has since become an accessible platform for locals to try something new and enjoy each other’s company without alcohol.

Moving to Moerewa, the older sister of All Blacks stars Akira and Rieko Ioane noted sport’s less central role in the lives of many Northerners and attributed the difference to the unique challenges of life here.

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“We have always been a sporty family; It’s just something we couldn’t live without,” said Jerard (Ngāpuhi).

“From basketball to netball, softball and rugby, we’ve played sports every winter and summer.

“That sounds pretty foreign to the majority in Northland.

“There are different struggles and realities here, and sport is becoming less relevant.”

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She also noted that socializing seemed to be the norm, especially at parties or in bars.

“We wanted to break away from this focus on alcohol and show everyone that they can actually have fun and socialize without using drugs.

“And since we’re in such a small town, everyone seems to know what’s everyone’s business, whether it’s good gossip or not-so-good gossip.

“We wanted to give people something positive to talk about and give them something new to do.”

Jerard was surprised that there weren’t any indoor sports facilities in Northland that she could just book and play, and pointed out that it was affecting her well-being.

“I need it for my sanity, to feel grounded. When I’m not exercising, life just isn’t balanced. But we said, let’s not whine about it; let’s start something

“Something for local women to enjoy together. Something that was just for them and gave them some time away from motherhood to relieve stress.”

With the support of her husband Duane Jerard – who has represented New Zealand and Samoa in international softball – they created an amateur women’s softball team, “teaching the game and using the skills” and taking inspiration from the local 1980s side Orauta and even give a name to comets.

In the two seasons since, local Wāhine more than five decades old have reaped the rich fruits of the team sport and are proud members of a victorious team after topping the Mid North Softball Association Women’s Division last season.

“Duane is the one who taught us all the high level softball skills and etiquette. We definitely wouldn’t have made it without him.”

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Jerard said the team has become a positive hub for her teammates, especially moms who have never exercised before or been out of the area.

For those who had played sports before, Jerard said the team “made it right for them to come back into this world.”

Jerard learned the value of the sport from her mother – Silver Fern Sandra Ioane (formerly Wihongi) – and her father – Samoan rugby union player Eddie Ioane.

“Mum has always been active in sports. The fact that we are children has never been an excuse for not developing their talents, nor has it been a full-time occupation.

“We went to training sessions with her. I even went on tour with them once. That affected us.”

Player and mother Summah (third from left back) said the good relationships she has developed with her teammates is the biggest of many benefits of playing softball with Ruffie Jerard (far right back) at the Orauta Comets.

Team member Summah described the new possibilities that opened up in her life.

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“As a mother, your own well-being comes second as we need to make sure everyone and everything is taken care of.

“Joining our club has given me the confidence to do something for myself, to try everything and to be more open-minded about trying something new outside of my comfort zone.”

After noting how difficult it seemed for local women to accept praise, cheers and congratulations, Jerard set about promoting the idea that it was okay to try new things.

“We have observed the tendency of people here at home to withdraw from anything new, possibly out of fear of rejection from their community.

“And we’ve seen a big difference in women coming back every season.

“Most of the players were women who hadn’t invested in themselves for a while. So many just thrived.”

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Summah had previously only played netball but now plays rugby and is considering playing soccer or a league to carry through the winter until softball season returns.

“It has definitely given me something to look forward to. But the biggest benefit was getting to know all the amazing Wāhine in our club and building solid relationships with them.”

Jerard was heartened by the obvious effect he had on players.

“One player was overcome with emotion when she realized her children had a reason to cheer for her for the first time.”

Jerard said her goal is to share the learnings that come with softball-like discipline, primarily with at-risk youth who could take advantage of the sport’s life-changing opportunities.

“We take pride in our appearance and in every aspect of our conduct. Smoking is not allowed in the shelter and we come an hour early to warm up.

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“Ultimately, we want university scholarships to become an option. This isn’t just a backyard game. It can take you far.”

Another player, who described herself as “a quiet person without many friends”, wished to remain anonymous but shared her belief that “the team has love, respect and pride for one another”. That is what makes us special.”

With players ranging in age from 17 to 68, the abundance of good was accessible to all.

“That’s the beauty of softball. You don’t have to be the sportiest, the youngest or the strongest.

“We’re focused on winning the diamond and that good vibes are making a huge difference in our lives.”