Waikato sporting legend set to call it a day

Multiple Waikato sporting representative Honey Hireme is retiring at the end of the year to spend more time with her family.

After 13 years playing rugby league, rugby sevens and rugby union at an elite level, Hireme has decided to call an end to her playing career to focus on partner Tulu and three children, Karasharn, 8, Solomon, 6, and Anela, 5.

Hireme, 31, plays rugby union for Waikato University on Saturdays and league on Sundays for Papakura.

The fact that both teams compete in Auckland competitions means it is tough to be involved in the kids’ sport and leisure activities, which Hireme says is the main factor behind the decision to retire.

“They are getting to the age now where they are into their sports; I think they are kind of over me playing all the time. I am at that point now.

“This will be my last year and then hopefully I can get into coaching them.”

After starting out playing league at five years of age in Putaruru, Hireme has had a stellar career which includes representing New Zealand and New Zealand Maori in sevens, rugby union and rugby league.

In addition to this Hireme has been a regular in Waikato representative teams across all three codes.

Despite her retirement plans, Hireme says she is excited about the prospect of winning a third women’s rugby league world cup with the Kiwi Ferns, which she will captain for the first time.

“The ultimate goal is to win the world cup. If we can promote women’s rugby league in NZ by doing that then that is a positive.