Black Ferns seeking ‘a bit more support’
The Black Ferns aren’t demanding the firstclass treatment just yet but the World Cup winners wouldn’t mind a full row to themselves more often.
Crowned world champions for a record fifth time in Ireland at the weekend, beating reigning champions England 41-32 in the final, the New Zealand women’s rugby team were welcomed home in style at Auckland Airport yesterday.
The 13 players who had not stayed on for a break were roared into the international arrivals area by a large collection of family and friends and members of the public.
Adorned with a swag of traditional neck garlands and head wreaths, the players were also honoured with powerful performances from two different cultural groups before responding in thanks with a spine-tingling haka.
For the likes of star wing Portia Woodman, it was an emotional experience, one made all the sweeter by the fact they had reclaimed the prized silverware as effectively a fully amateur squad.
While Woodman and a handful of others in the Ferns’ group do earn a regular income from New Zealand Rugby through the sevens squad, the 15-a-side team is not fully contracted, with most players juggling a mixture of jobs, study and family life to fulfil their dreams on the field.
After shedding a ton of ‘‘happy tears’’ at the ‘‘overwhelming’’ welcome, Woodman said she was glad their success had meant the discussion around their progression towards officially professional status had resurfaced.
‘‘It was about 30 hours of flights getting back here, in economy the whole way, but we were lucky enough to have full rows to ourselves so that kind of made up for it.
‘‘For us this is a part-time job, imagine what we could achieve if we were somewhat paid.
‘‘We’ve got a bit now, and it’s better than what it has been in the past [but] a bit more support would be great.
‘‘We’re not expecting full contracts like the boys, not yet, we still have a bit of work to do. It’s just something that can ease that gap [from] amateur through to professional.’’
NZR chief executive Steve Tew has said they are aware of and excited by the big strides the women’s game is taking but added a fully contracted 15s programme is not yet sustainable due to a lack of international competition.
It was a statement backed up by halfback Kendra Cocksedge.
But, for the likes of Cocksedge, Woodman and the Black Ferns all-time leading try scorer Selica Winiata, the important part was the topic was being debated and there had been a mindset change among the ‘‘top dogs’’ at the national body.
‘‘It’s definitely starting a lot of conversations,’’ said fullback Winiata, who called their welcome home the icing on the cake of what had been her greatest achievement in a black jersey.
‘‘We’re seeing it a lot more in the media and we’d love to go professional, to be able to not have to worry and stress about the financial side of things, whether or not you can take time off to go into camp or go away to a tournament.
‘‘That’d be awesome but whether or not that happens, I’m not too sure.’’
What does look certain to happen in the more immediate future, however, is an official celebration of the Black Ferns success.
NZR have said they are working with all relevant parties on that front, with reports of a parade in Auckland in late September once the remainder of the squad had returned.
A beaming Woodman, who is planning a break on the Gold Coast before heading back into camp with the sevens squad at the end of next month, said it ‘‘would be awesome’’ if those plans came to fruition.
‘‘It’s a bummer most of girls are still on holiday but either way we’re really excited, as long as we get to celebrate with the country and show them all the support they’ve given us to achieve this goal.
‘‘I’m down for that.’’