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MARTIN DE RUYTER / THINGS
Black Ferns rugby player Renee Holmes, left, signs Nelson Intermediate student Ellen Stevenson’s jersey at a Meet the Black Ferns event atop Trafalgar St.
Several months ago, 2020 seemed poised to bundle top-notch rugby into the touch of the women’s national team.
Now, with provincial competition in full swing and a string of big games behind them, 2021 and a World Cup at home can’t come soon enough.
The New Zealand Black Ferns wrapped up preparations for Saturday’s game against the Barbarians with a meetup with fans in the central city of Nelson on Friday before their captain’s career training.
Joining the Black Ferns in 1903 Square were members of the Tasman Mako squad, who shared the banner at Trafalgar Park’s double-headed, engaging in a sausage sizzle and skills session, followed by a tug of war against future stars.
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For Enner Glynn school student Ellanna Scott-Rollarson, a teachers-only day had provided an opportune moment to come and meet the rugby heroes the Stoke junior player hoped to one day emulate.
“I just wanted to go down and meet them, I’m more of a Black Fern fan.”
Black ferns and barbarians were greeted in the city on Monday with a powhiri at Whakatu Marae.
Between training and recovery sessions during the week, the team has enjoyed the sights and activities at Mapua, Kaiteriteri, Cable Bay Adventure Park, or just a stroll around town.
Hailing from the Bay of Plenty town of Opotiki, T-shirt front Luka Connor was making his first visit to Nelson.
After his initial eight-test international schedule was canceled due to Covid-19, he said the opportunity to play the Farrah Palmer Cup and the Barbarians series had exceeded most people’s expectations.
“There was no way we would think we would end up playing with the Black Ferns this year and then they released this together, which was great, so we are so thankful to be playing again.
Also unexpected was the public’s response to the team’s visit to Nelson, as seen during their training Thursday at Nayland College.
“We had a lot of kids on the bench looking at us and wanting to chat afterward,” Connor said.
MARTIN DE RUYTER / THINGS
Luka Connor, left, Renee Holmes and fellow Black Ferns rugby players in a tug of war against Nelson Intermediate students at a Meet the Black Ferns event atop Trafalgar St.
Southland defender Amy Du-Plessis said the three-game road trip had been as good a hit as any other international encounter, while the inclusion of both seven- and fifteen-year-old players in the Farrah Palmer Cup competition. it had helped to grow. the local women’s game.
“The Barbarians really brought it to us, it was a very difficult game,” he said of last week’s 34-15 victory.
“There are so many top-level athletes on these teams and it’s made for quality rugby all year round – it has been a huge step forward.”
Already representing New Zealand in American football, taekwondo and ultimate frisbee, wing Renee Holmes will make her Black Ferns debut in tomorrow’s match.
Despite some indications that he was in line for some playing time, Holmes, raised by Gisborne, said the announcement was no less shocking.
Evan Barnes / Getty Images
Tasman’s Fetuli Paea unloads the ball to David Havili during the Round 5 Miter 10 Cup match between Tasman and Bay of Plenty at Trafalgar Park. The Mako and the Steamers will meet again on Saturday in the semifinal of the Miter 10 Cup Premier.
“It was amazing to see my name appear on the screen, and I never imagined it would start.”
Tasman Mako runner Louie Chapman said he had really enjoyed his time at the top of the south since moving north from Canterbury.
He was hired for another two seasons, but was hoping to close out his debut year with two more victories to secure consecutive titles for Tasman.
“I was a little nervous at first, but here is an incredible culture.”
“It would be amazing to have a good crowd behind the girls and the guys – it’s exciting to have them and that brings a good buzz to the place.”
Tickets for the Trafalgar Park double header are $ 15 for adults and $ 5 for children under 18, available at i-Site Nelson, Motueka, Blenheim & Picton, Richmond Mall and any NBS branch or online here. The doors open at 3:15 p.m.
