1457 days ago

Monday Sport Blast From The Past: Neroli Knight

Reporter Community News

Known as "Bart" Neroli Knight was a pioneer of women's rugby.
These days she is a primary school teacher and coaches juniors at the Waihi Athletic Rugby club.
In August, 1990 she set a record that will probably never be broken, when she became Black Fern no 28 at aged just 15 against the Netherlands at the RugbyFest in Christchurch.
Neroli attended the Rugby World Cup in Cardiff in 1991, appearing the play-off for third against France. She next played for New Zealand in 1999, playing a test against against Canada in Palmerston North. She played her last test in 2001 but continued playing club rugby with success and for Wellington at rep level.
Clubs she was associated with include Stokes Valley, Petone and Hutt Old Boys Marist. It was not only her youthful international debut that makes Neroli unique.
She began playing in a boys team in Blenheim in 1982 when she was eight years old. She continued playing in boys teams and did so again at Hutt Valley High School.
In 2009, she married Waihi church pastor Benhur Matautia.
And how did she get that nickname? She made her international debut in 1990, the same year that Bart Simpson first appeared and with her spiky hair, she had a passing resemblance to the famous cartoon character.

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The Neighbourhood’s Brainiest: Can YOU Solve Today’s Riddle?

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

You see a boat filled with people.
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Why?

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6 hours ago

Ryman’s Walk in Wednesdays

The Team from Ryman Healthcare

Ryman villages across the country are open every Wednesday in November.

Experience the Ryman lifestyle and learn about our living options, tour our showhomes and discover the wonderful amenities on offer.

Click to find out more information.
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Wellington welcomes a Disney exhibition.

WREDA

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Early bird tickets are now available until the end of the year, with a special Christmas Family Pack deal offering 2 adults and 2 kids for just $50.

Don’t miss this magical experience—book your tickets now!
Find out more

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