At every International Tag Event, we see moments of brilliance on the field. Tries, dives, and unforgettable plays, but it’s what happens off the field that often leaves the deepest impression.
This past weekend, the New Zealand Stingrays reminded us that ITS is more than just a tournament. It’s a place where connection, culture, and community shine through. A moment that captured this came when the NZ contingent unveiled a special jersey in honour of Mele Ta’ufo’ou Rhind a beloved member of the Stingrays whānau who sadly passed away earlier this year, in April.
The tribute was a surprise for her husband Tawana (Tee), the Stingrays’ Vice President, long-time Men’s 21s coach, and a cornerstone of the contingent. Unbeknownst to him, the team had been working behind the scenes to design a jersey that would carry Mele’s memory onto the field. At the heart of the design is a yellow heart, Mele’s favourite colour with her name at its centre. Her son William who will be lining up for the Men’s 21s side will also proudly rep the jersey, carrying not only his teams legacy but the memory of his mother into every match. William, Tee and the entire Stingrays club will now wear her over their hearts for the tournament.
Mele’s impact on the Stingrays cannot be overstated. She and Tawana ran TnM Sportswear, which has produced the Stingrays’ playing and supporter gear for the past two years. Beyond her work off the field, Mele was hands-on in the Stingrays program, serving as team manager for the Men’s 21s in 2024. Her steady presence and behind-the-scenes work supported not just Tawana, but dozens of players and staff who relied on her commitment and care.
The jersey tribute also features a whakataukī, a traditional Māori proverb, which has become a guiding message for the Stingrays:
I te pōuri o te pō
E pīata ana ngā whetū
Ko koe tērā
Tō mātou ipo
Kua rere ki runga 🕊️
Translation:
In the gloom of the night,
The stars shining,
We see you our beloved,
Who’ve flown to the heavens.
Lining the top V of the jersey, these words offer a powerful reminder that even in grief, we carry our loved ones with us. For the Stingrays, this jersey is more than a uniform, it’s a symbol of remembrance, resilience, and unity. It speaks to the idea that even in the darkest moments, our connections endure. We see our loved ones in the stars, in the game, and in each other.
“He Waka Eke Noa” a waka we are all in together, is another whakataukī that sits at the core of the Stingrays’ identity. It reminds us that the strength of this contingent lies in its togetherness. For the Stingrays, ITS is not just about competition, but about carrying culture, community, and loved ones.
As the tournament continues, the Stingrays will play with Mele close to their hearts. Her presence will be felt not just in yellow threads or poetic lines, but in every moment of pride, joy, and connection that defines this game.