In what can be described as a coup for Touch New Zealand, the Open Women’s squad for Kuala Lumpur will be bolstered with the inclusion of Black Ferns Sevens development representative Mererangi Paul. 

The Whakatāne resident is no stranger to juggling sports commitments having also turned out for the Northern Mystics netball side. She represented Counties Manukau at this year’s national tournament, while also turning out for Bay of Plenty's sevens team. The biggest challenge for Paul is finding the balance between Touch and Sevens. Her inclusion for the World Cup was made easy thanks to some understanding coaches, and teammates. 

“In preparation for the World Cup, I chose to attend an NZ development 7’s tour to Japan and during that time we had an NZ touch camp.”

“We speak about the importance of commitment, hard work and team culture especially leading into the World Cup. However, I managed to stay connected with the girls through social media during their time in camp .” 

Paul has seamlessly made the transition from Sevens back to Touch. The biggest difference “…will have to be the fitness,” says Paul. The obvious difference is that Touch does not require players to make tackles. However, both require a high level of conditioning. 

“Touch is short sharp intensity and you can go for a sub, whereas 'sevens' is more long endurance, where you're pretty much running constantly for 7 mins making tackles and hitting the deck, with a mouth guard in.”

It’s hard to believe that less than six months ago, Mererangi played her first game of 7’s. She played alongside younger sister Mahina – who was part of the Touch Youth World Cup squad – and fellow NZ Open Women’s rep Isla Norman-Bell. The Ignite7 program was launched to attract young athletes into the 7’s program. 

“Both Mahina and I enjoyed our week up in Auckland getting to know a variety of athletes from all over NZ and learning the game of rugby 7’s. One thing I learnt [from the tournament] was the professionalism of it all, and what it takes to become an athlete at the top level in the sport. “

Following the world cup, there will be no time for Paul to rest as she’s straight back into the tackling, but will remain in Asia. 

“I’ll be over in Japan playing 7’s up until July so after attending the World Cup in Malaysia I will return back to Japan."

Article added: Tuesday 09 April 2019