Black Ferns wear their hopes on their sleeves

Ruby Tui admits feeling the weight of history when she pulled on the Black Ferns’ new Rugby World Cup jersey for the first time.

The team’s bespoke jersey for the upcoming global tournament in New Zealand, which kicks off next month, has been unveiled and carries a reminder of the reigning world champions’ record five titles on its sleeve.

Former sevens star Tui said that little detail had put some additional pressure on the hosts’ shoulders as they aim to defend the crown they won in Ireland five years ago on home soil.

‘‘To some people it probably feels the same weight as any other top, but to me that was a heavy old jersey!’’ Tui joked as she cast her eye over the new adidas strip in Christchurch.

‘‘Pretty special. Pretty clammy hands when I’m touching it.’’

The jersey has been designed to celebrate the team’s unique and varied heritage and features a large debossed fern graphic across the front and back.

The environmentally conscious strip has also been made from 50% ocean plastic waste and 50% recycled polyester, and includes sweatwicking materials designed to keep the Black Ferns dry in the heat of battle.

Tui – who won Olympic gold and a world title in sevens – said she couldn’t wait to run out in front of her friends and family when the Black Ferns kick off their campaign against Australia at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday, October 8.

‘‘Our whole whānau will be able to come to these games. We travel the world in the black jersey and do the haka but to do it at a World Cup, in front of your family and in front of New Zealanders who understand what it means and understand what mana is, it’s just going to be something really, really special.’’

The second-ranked Black Ferns have won six straight under the guidance of coach Wayne Smith and head into the tournament confident of adding a sixth title to their trophy cabinet.

Tui is not fazed by the growing expectation from the New Zealand public and said she was determined to embrace the moment.

‘‘Absolutely there’s pressure, but bring it on, I say.’’