Former Southern lass Jaidyn Busch, 23, has debuted in the Canterbury squad for the Farah Palmer Cup competition.
Busch, who plays prop position, got her first run for the representative side against Counties Manakau in Auckland two weeks ago, and was in the starting line-up last weekend.
Three rounds down, the Canterbury side have a bye this weekend, she said.
Next weekend they play Northland at their home ground at Arnold Rae Park, Kaitaia. Kick-off is at 2.05pm.
Busch, who played JAB rugby with Southern at Hinds before taking up the sport at Christchurch Girls High, plays club rugby for High School Old Boys.
She was a South Island representative from Year 10 through to Year 13 and also a Canterbury Under 18 representative.
Busch who spent last season off with a medial collateral ligament injury said she worked hard this year to get back to match fitness.
‘‘I am very, very fortunate, very glad I’ve learned so much already,’’ she said, of being in the side.
‘‘The game is so much faster, we are training four times a week on field, and three times a week in the gym, and then the game on Saturday.
“It’s good, it’s fun and I’m playing along with all my mates with is probably my favourite part.’’
The Canterbury side next play in Christchurch against Hawkes Bay on September 14.
Busch was one of 15 potential debutantes this year selected to inject fresh talent and energy into the side alongside experienced players.
Head coach Mona Paraki was looking forward to the season and combinations on field. ‘‘(I’m) eager to see what the players create together on the field. I’m really excited about the mix we have this year,” he said.
Such was the depth of the Canterbury side, 10 players had recently been in camp with the Black Ferns squad.
