Abstract
This research aims to re-indigenise rugby for wāhine Māori by normalising waiwhero (menstruation) and pūrākau (narratives) within the sport. It acknowledges rugby as both a site of opportunity and a space where wāhine Māori experience minimisation, oppression, and cultural erasure. The study is grounded in Kaupapa Māori methodology, centring the voices and lived experiences of wāhine Māori in rugby. The research is guided by three key questions: 1) What challenges have wāhine Māori experienced in rugby, and how do these challenges shape their experiences within the rugby community?; 2) Do wāhine Māori in rugby feel adequately supported in their cultural identities, waiwhero, and personal moemoeā? & 3) Based on the experiences and stories of wāhine Māori in rugby, what changes or recommendations can improve their experience in the sport? Through interviews with ten pūkenga, this study explores the multifaceted māmae (hurt) experienced by wāhine Māori in rugby, shaped by their intersecting identities as Māori, female, and participants in a colonised sport. Findings reveal the deep-rooted impacts of racism, tokenism, and sexism, illustrating how wāhine Māori, despite their passion for the game, often feel culturally unsupported. Many struggle to fully express their identities within rugby spaces, navigating a sport that historically privileges Pākehā and male-dominated narratives. Crucially, this research highlights the untapped potential of rugby as a space for healing, cultural connection, and self-determination. For many wāhine Māori, playing rugby is about more than just the game, it is a pathway to fulfilling personal and whānau moemoeā, whether through local, national, or Māori-led teams. However, systemic barriers persist, including the widespread stigma around waiwhero in athletic settings and the neglect of the cultural responsibilities carried by wāhine Māori. The study advocates for urgent structural change, calling for greater cultural support within rugby environments, increased accountability in coaching, and enhanced representation of wāhine Māori in leadership roles. By embedding Indigenous knowledge and tikanga Māori into rugby’s foundations, we can create a more inclusive, empowering, and culturally rich sporting environment. One that not only values wāhine Māori but actively thrives through their presence and leadership.