The Pythons Women’s Rugby Club has proudly received its first official jersey uniforms, marking a significant milestone in the team’s journey since joining the Vanuatu Rugby Union (VRU) last year. Despite their brief time in union rugby and limited knowledge of union rules, the Pythons have made impressive strides in recent tournaments. Player Winona Kalpukai noted that the team consistently placed in the top three, even without proper coaching. “The SHEFA Day tournament stands out as our main achievement in 2024, where we took first place despite not having a coach,” she said. Until now, the team had been playing in borrowed uniforms, including kits from the Pango U-18 girls’ team, particularly during their participation in rugby league events. However, thanks to their determination and performance in tournaments throughout the past year, the club was able to save nearly VT100,000—enough to purchase their own uniforms. The new jerseys were ordered from Beastwear Company in Australia, with support from three of the players who helped cover the costs. The team gathered at Independence Park for a small ceremony where Pastor Kele blessed the new uniforms before the players wore them for the first time yesterday. Kalpukai said the new uniforms are more than just sports gear—they symbolise the team’s pride and collective effort. “The girls will wear the uniforms with pride, not just to showcase them, but to represent our teammates, families, and friends who have supported us from the beginning,” she added. The Pythons were founded by a group of women who first played together in rugby league some years ago. Their debut tournament last year saw them place third, and since then, they have worked together to raise funds and improve their performance. The club operates without a coach, manager, or designated captain. Instead, the players train and organise themselves, with different players rotating as team captain during competitions. One of the Python player said that the founding members hoped that forming the team would bring them closer, expand their knowledge of both rugby codes, and help build lasting friendships. “We believed this would strengthen us—not just as players, but as a team,” she said. The team thanked God for guiding their progress and achievements so far. Receiving their own jerseys is a proud moment for the Pythons, one that motivates them to aim even higher—both in winning more tournaments and acquiring more equipment to grow the club further.