World champs
So where’s the parade?
It’s been nearly three weeks since the Black Ferns were crowned world champions but plans to honour them with a victory parade or celebratory event are still up in the air.
The team beat England 41-32 in the final of the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on August 26.
Wellington City Council offered to host a parade for the team but apart from a jubilant welcome home from fans at the airport there’s been no official celebration since they arrived back in the country at the end of last month.
New Zealand Rugby head of women’s rugby development, Cate Sexton, told Newstalk ZB yesterday the union had been overwhelmed by excitement since the win but “we have taken a little longer to make sure we get it right”.
She said as most players were based in Auckland, there was a plan to hold a public event in the near future and community events around the region.
“There’s a long-term plan about meaningful engagement with our communities and showcasing [to] the girls and women of our communities, that rugby is a great sport to be a part of,” Sexton said.
Most of the players were back in New Zealand and discussions were ongoing about their availability.
Wellington City Council was keen to hold a parade at any stage, having immediately put up its hand after the Black Ferns’ win. Spokesman Richard MacLean said public pressure was mounting but the ultimate decision was in NZ Rugby’s hands. He expected a “yes” or “no” within days.
“We still think it would be really nice to have a parade, especially given the amount of social media that we’re getting from people saying ‘Why has there not been a parade?’,” he said. “[The council] will continue to talk to NZ Rugby but it’s their call and obviously it’s the players’ call as well. Whether it’s logistically possible remains to be seen.”
He understood it was proving difficult to get all the players together — “but we remain hopeful”.
Auckland Council and Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development were approached for comment but declined.