Melita Williams was a talented and beloved rugby player who represented New Zealand at the international level. She died suddenly on November 27, 2023, at the age of 29, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and inspiration. Here is a full attractive article about her life and career.
Melita Williams: A Rugby Star Who Shone Brightly
Melita Williams was born on April 15, 1994, in Auckland, New Zealand. She grew up in a rugby-loving family, with her father, uncle, and brother all playing the sport. She started playing rugby at the age of six, and quickly showed her natural talent and passion for the game.
She attended St Mary’s College, where she excelled both academically and athletically. She was the captain of the school’s rugby team, and led them to win several titles and trophies. She also played for the Auckland Storm, the provincial women’s rugby team, and made her debut at the age of 17.
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She was soon noticed by the national selectors, and was called up to the New Zealand Women’s Sevens team in 2012. She made her debut at the Dubai Sevens, where she scored a try in her first match. She became a regular member of the team, and helped them win the inaugural Women’s Sevens World Series in 2013.
She also represented New Zealand at the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens in Moscow, where she scored four tries and was named in the tournament’s dream team. She was part of the team that won the gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, and the silver medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
She switched to the 15-a-side game in 2017, and joined the New Zealand Women’s Rugby team, also known as the Black Ferns. She made her debut at the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup in Ireland, where she played as a fullback and a wing. She scored two tries in the final against England, and helped the Black Ferns win their fifth world title.
She continued to play for the Black Ferns, and was selected for the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup, which was postponed to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She was also named in the New Zealand Women’s Sevens squad for the 2020 Olympic Games, which was also postponed to 2021.
She was looking forward to competing in both events, and was in peak physical condition. She had no known health issues, and was described as a fit and healthy athlete. She was training with her club team, Ponsonby, when she collapsed on the field on November 27, 2023. She was rushed to the hospital, but could not be revived. The cause of her death is still unknown, and is being investigated by the coroner.
Her sudden and tragic death shocked and saddened the rugby community, and the entire nation. Tributes poured in from her teammates, coaches, opponents, fans, and friends. She was remembered as a brilliant and versatile player, who could play in any position and score from anywhere. She was also praised as a humble and kind person, who always had a smile on her face and a positive attitude. She was a role model and a mentor for many young girls, who looked up to her and wanted to follow her footsteps.
She is survived by her parents, her brother, her partner, and her two-year-old son. Her funeral was held on December 2, 2023, at the Eden Park Stadium, where thousands of people gathered to pay their respects and celebrate her life. She was laid to rest at the Waikumete Cemetery, where her grave was adorned with flowers, photos, and rugby jerseys.
Melita Williams was a rugby star who shone brightly on and off the field. She was a champion, a leader, and a legend. She was a loving daughter, sister, partner, and mother. She was a beautiful soul, who touched the hearts of many. She was gone too soon, but never forgotten. She was Melita Williams, and she will always be remembered.
