All Blacks fan sports ‘rugby hijab’ with pride

All Blacks supporter Rehana Ali had to make her own ‘‘rugby hijab’’ to avoid copyright issues.

The Aucklander captured attention on Saturday night while wearing her special homemade All Blacks hijab at the test match against South Africa. The idea of a ‘‘rugby hijab’’ was suggested to her by her sons during the 2011 Rugby World Cup, Ali said.

Originally, Ali took her hijab to a printing outlet who turned her away because of copyright. Not letting that get in the way, Ali cut the logo out of a beanie and sewed it to the original hijab.

‘‘I went out of my way to say ‘yep, now I’ve got the right scarf’,’’ Ali said.

It was important for the Muslim community to come forward and share their identity as it should be commonplace in a multicultural country like New Zealand, she said.

Her message to other Muslims, whether they were rugby fans or not, was ‘‘don’t be shy to show your identity and wear your religion proudly’’.

Originally from Fiji, Ali moved to Auckland in 1988. She has alway supported the All Blacks even against Fiji, which she was not sorry about, Ali said.

While she loves the entire team, her favourite player is fellow Muslim Sonny Bill Williams. ‘‘I admire them all, but I admire the way he plays and he is a great role model for all Muslims.’’