It’s been a huge part of her life for more than 50 years, but now Lady Raewyn Henry is taking her love of netball to a whole new level.
The former coach of Wales, and wife of rugby legend Sir Graham Henry,70, has exclusively announced to New Zealand Woman’s Weekly that she will be competing in this year’s World Masters Games, which will be held in Auckland in April.
Chatting to the Weekly alongside her husband at their Waiheke holiday home, Raewyn, 68, says she can’t wait to get back on court, after retiring from playing eight years ago.
“I love the sport, it’s in our own backyard, so why not enter?” the successful coach tells.
“I’m not sure people understand the enormity of World Masters, and the standard of the athletes- well, not our team particularly-but I think people can equate it with things like Golden Oldies, and it’s completely different. It’s competitive, and we’re there to play.”
The even is the largest multi-sport event in the world, attracting 25,000 participants from all corners of the globe.
Playing in a social-competitive 50+ team, aptly named ‘The Comebacks’, Raewyn is thrilled to be taking part in the Masters for a second time – she’s previously participated in the athletics program
And with a few spaces left in the Masters for teams and individuals in some of the 28 sports, Raewyn is encouraging those who have thought about taking the plunge and entering to do so.
“Given that it’s in our own country, we should support it,” she says. “And, we as women should be supporting it. The Masters is a very inspiring thing, there are 90 year olds who compete in 100m races. It’s incredible.”
Of course, she will have the full support of former All Black coach Graham, who plans to be on the sidelines cheering his wife of 47 years on – though he’s stopping at pulling on a bib himself.
“I think I’d probably decrease the ability of the group if I were to play. I’ve never played netball in my life, I don’t think, maybe once. I try to cheat when I play sport. It’s a weakness!”
Sign up to the World Masters Games here. Registration closes March 3.
For more, see this week’s issue of New Zealand Woman’s Weekly. Don’t forget to visit our Facebook page.
