BUNTY KURUWAKA-CROWE – KIWI FERN #131

Forward-pack powerhouse Bunty Kuruwaka-Crowe has been one of the most prominent figures in Canterbury women’s rugby league’s recent history, winning multiple CRL premierships and representing the Kiwi Ferns in 2017 as well as being a mainstay for the provincial team.

The Papanui prop was called up to debut in the Kiwi Ferns mid-season clash with the Jillaroos in 2017. She was a standout in the 16-4 loss, racking up 18 runs for 103 metres and 22 tackles in a trademark industrious performance.

After leading the Tigers to a Grand Final victory, Kuruwaka-Crowe played three matches for New Zealand at the 2017 World Cup but was not chosen in the squad for the final.

Kuruwaka-Crowe subsequent won back-to-back Grand Final player of the match awards as Sydenham Swans surged to premierships in 2020 and ’21.