Can you tell us about where you’re from or live in Northland, and how your sporting journey began?

Kia Ora, Ko Bailey Rae Edwards tōku ingoa. No Kerikeri ahau. Ko Kerikeri High School taku kura. Mum and Dad were both actively involved in sports here in Kerikeri, so it was natural that myself and my sibilings were too. I started playing ripper rugby when I was 5 years old and have been lucky enough to have my Dad as my coach throughout my years here in Kerikeri. I played both rugby and netball there for a while. In the past few years, I have been actively involved in rugby, rugby league and rugby 7’s! I love all three codes!

What does it mean to you to represent Northland in your sport?

I love representing Northland – particularly when we go away and do well at tournaments! I see so many of our good athletes move away for school, and it makes me sad that they don’t get to represent ‘home’ like I do.

What are your goals and dreams as an athlete?

I can not wait to put on a black jersey! My goal is to represent New Zealand in all 3 codes – rugby, rugby league and rugby 7’s! With role models such as Tyla King, Michaela Blyde and our local Kerry Johnson – I know that this is possible!

How did you feel when you found out you were selected for the Kauri Club scholarship?

I was mostly excited about the fact that I could buy some brand new rugby boots! As well as that, I felt grateful that it would help take the financial pressure off my mum and dad because not only do they run around the country after me, they also run around just as much for my younger brother and sister who are also busy with a range of sports!

What has the Kauri Club support enabled you to do that you couldn’t have done otherwise?

The Kauri Club scholarship enabled me to attain amazing support services such as physio, chiropractor and gym memberships. These services allowed me to work towards specific strength and development programmes and rehabilitation (post ACL rupture repair). The scholarship helped significantly with travel costs and helped pay for tournament fees which was vital when involved in so many codes of rugby.

What would you say to younger athletes in Northland who dream of following in your footsteps?

To the young athletes in Northland … you CAN stay in Northland and ‘make it’! Remember that ‘we’ are the role models. Work hard. Focus hard. Northland hard!

Article added: Wednesday 29 October 2025