Wellington Pride Announce 2023 Captains

Wellington Pride Announce 2023 Captains

Jackie Patea-Fereti has been named captain of the Wellington Pride for 2023.

The Captain of the Hurricanes Poua, before injury cruelly curtailed her season, the Petone lock who has captained the Pride 48 times in her 73 matches for the province, said she was humbled to lead the team again in 2023.

“It’s always an honour to have the opportunity to captain your province, and having the backing of your coaching staff and teammates, especially with a new coaching group.

“There are a lot of leaders in this squad, as well as talent to work alongside, which makes the job for me a whole lot easier.”

A former Black Fern, Patea-Fereti made her Wellington debut in 2006 and coach Fusi Feaunati said the experience she brings to the side is invaluable.

“Having such a high quality and experienced leader like Jax is a great luxury to have, the girls all look up to her as a player and a leader.”

Feaunati named midfielder Monica Tagoai and Black Ferns lock, Joanah Ngan-Woo as Vice-Captains. With a combined 14 years in the Pride jersey between them

“Like Jackie, Monica and Joanah are two of our more experienced players in the squad, and ones that everyone on the field looks to for direction” said Feaunati.

“We’ve got a squad that we believe with the right leaders, can go deep into this competition.”

International experience is a prominent feature amongst this group, Patea-Fereti and Tagoai are former Black Ferns, while Ngan-Woo is a current contracted player.

The Pride travel to Christchurch to take on defending champions Canterbury in the opening round of this year’s Farah Palmer Cup, presented by Bunnings Warehouse.