Leah Stephens keeps the boys in line, on and off the rugby field.
The 6-year-old Warepa School pupil was a standout player for the Clutha under-7 team at yesterday's 52nd annual Taieri sevens tournament, in Mosgiel.
She was the only girl in the team, which also included her twin brother Morgan.
''Off the field, Leah is the mother hen, looking after all the boys. And she loves playing rugby with them. It gives her a big confidence boost,'' her mother, Bronywn, said.
She and husband Clark, of Kakapuaka, loved seeing their children, including eldest son Thomas (9), play rugby and make friends through the team sport.
Clark Stephens coached Clutha's under-11 side, which included Thomas.
''Rugby is in the blood on the Stephens side. Clark's grandfather played for Otago,'' Bronwyn Stephens said.
Asked what the best part of playing rugby was, Leah said ''the saveloys'' served afterwards.
It was her first rugby season, and there were likely to be many more, her mother said.
''She wanted to play netball but there were not enough for a team, so we convinced her to play rugby with Morgan. Now she wants to continue playing rugby, although I'd like to see her play netball.''
Most Clutha under-7 players were from Warepa School and teacher Emma Puna was their coach.
The team had not played before in the annual seven-a-side tournament, hosted by the Taieri Junior Rugby Club.
It was one of 93 teams participating in seven age divisions at Peter Johnstone Park yesterday.
Players from throughout Dunedin and Taieri were joined by those from Queenstown, Alexandra, Roxburgh, Balclutha, Milton and South Canterbury, organisers said.
About 1000 players were supported by about 2000 parents and caregivers.
Winners were Taieri (under-13), Dunedin (under-12), Kaikorai White (under-11), Taieri Blue (under-10), Southern Black (under-9), Southern (under-8), and Taieri Black (under-7).
