Blues wing Katelyn Vaha'akolo on the attack. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Black Ferns superstar Katelyn Vaha'akolo's on-field wizardry will often get fans out of their seats.
However, it's getting them in the seats to watch Super Rugby Aupiki which is proving the real challenge.
The Blues winger is now taking it upon herself to help get crowds along to Aupiki games after a sea of empty seats has taken the gloss off her side's perfect start to their title defence.
Vaha'akolo has been disheartened by the crowd turnouts, and is pleading with the public to support the sport.
"I don't really feel like it's a job for me to have go and promote our game, but I want especially young girls to be able to experience what it's like to be at a live game because it's exciting to watch and it's fun to be a part of."
The duel international has posted on social media, offering to appear at clubs or schools to help fill the stands.
"If you look at the crowds at our Aupiki games - there's no crowds because not many people come, LOL. Any support we receive helps grow our game and the future of women's rugby. So, if you are able, please come to a game, promote it on socials, or invite your fam/friends, I will volunteer to visit any school, rugby training, or sports team in Auckland if you can bring your team, club, or family to a game. It doesn't even have to be a Blues game, just go to an Aupiki one! If you do, message me and we can organise something," she wrote.
Vaha'akolo is concerned the women's game in Aotearoa is stalling somewhat and the momentum built from the home world cup has not been properly capitalised on.
"We became the world champions and then obviously went on a bit of a down spiral. So I just think we need to all take a good look at ourselves and the way that we're promoting the game and see what we can do better because while the plan is to become world champions again, are we going to have that same support after the World Cup?"
She said without public support of Aupiki, the future of women's rugby is at risk.
"The more people we get to our games, the more support we get, the more funding we get, the more exposure we get, which in turn grows our game. We want to create pathways and opportunities for the young girls coming through. So the reason we want crowds is to grow the game and to give more young wahine opportunity to play rugby on a big stage."
Vaha'akolo hoped their male counterparts would do their part too.
"Everyone has their own opinion of what they think the differences between women and men's rugby, but to me, we're equal and to me, I think we all deserve the same amount of support. It would be nice if our Super Rugby Pacific players were promoting our games, obviously a lot of people look to them and a lot of people are influenced by them. So if our boys can get behind us, that would be really helpful for our game as well."
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