This Saturday at Rugby Park in front of a home crowd a special milestone awaits as FPC co-captain TeRauoriwa Gapper prepares to pull on the red and black jersey for the 50th time.

Originally ruling the netball court, and dabbling in a bit of touch, it was a shoulder tap from Canterbury legend Kendra Cocksedge that had TeRauoriwa Gapper’s lacing up the boots to play for UC. Describing herself as a competitive person who is always looking to improve, it’s no surprise that Gapper went on to debut for Canterbury in the same year.“Playing for Canterbury is a pretty special legacy to be a part of, theres so many quality players that I now call friends, and leaders that have also gone on to higher honours.” The past team mate and friend reminisced on their time together, playing such driving roles in the team and learning a lot from each other "I knew what made her tick, there were times when one of us might lose our head or need a whack on the shoulder." "She's such a talented athlete", Cocksedge continued "I was just stoked to be able to play alongside her and I'm super proud of her year on year grind."

A career spanning 10 years, it’s fair to say the journey has had both triumphs and tribulations. The epitome of resilient, Gapper has had her fair share of setbacks including a few broken bones and knocks to the head. “Injuries are always tough, it’s a short season so the want to bounce back and be better is always there” she said.

Super Mum of three, and teacher at Avonside Girls High School by day, Gapper accredits her success to her amazing support network holding down the fort at home. With three gym sessions a week on top of their three field sessions, travel days, and of course game day, going into the 10 week compacted season could also be described as entering survival mode. “There will be days where I drop the kids off in the morning and I don’t see them again until the next day, but I like to think they’re proud of what I do and I always want to show them that anythings possible.”

Canterbury centurion and good friend Steph Te Ohaere-Fox recalled when she first heard about Gapper and her reputation through other sports. "It wasn't until I played against her in club that I knew she was definitely going to be a superstar." Speaking highly of her commitment, passion and humble nature Fox described her as a natural leader "her mana is incredible, she's the best defending 1st five that I know, she'll always put her body on the line for the team."

Although clocking 100 may be off the cards the determination to continue with the code until her body gives up runs deep, “I never would of thought 5 years ago that I would be clocking 50 for Canterbury, I’m so content right now and really enjoying my rugby, I love to grow, and to continue to help others grow" said Gapper. With several titles under her belt since her first season in 2016, it’s the 2021 win that Gapper remembers most “It was my first season playing 10 which was massive, I truly couldn't kick when I first started , it was actually Tony Christie who gave up so much of his time to mould me into the 10 I am today.”

Reflecting on last year with such a young squad, and so many players debuting, Canterbury were all but “ruled out” by their fellow competitors. Finding themselves in the final after a close win against Counties Manakau, an impressive battle against Waikato had the team narrowly missing out on the silverware. “I was so proud of the girls for our effort in even making the final, it was such an intense game, but we obviously want to go one step further this year”.

Looking ahead at tomorrows game theres no doubt Counties Manakau will be out for revenge “they’re a different breed and play a different brand of rugby” said Gapper. The North Island team coming off a 1 point loss last week “we know they will be chasing a win, we just have to focus on our game and bring our best.”

The game kicks off 2:05pm and promises to be the ultimate afternoon out with a family fun zone and food truck onsite. $10 at the gate and Kids 10 and under go free or you can grab them here! “Fans are what make our world go round, when they’re loud for us at home it truly feels like another player on the field. Playing at a full Rugby Park I don’t believe we can get beaten” said Gapper. Can’t make the match? Its free to air on the Black Ferns youtube here.