Black Ferns tour coming to Gisborne

The Black Ferns celebrate their win over England in the final of the women's rugby World Cup at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand, on Saturday, November 12. Picture via AP

Gisborne is included in a national tour by the Black Ferns to celebrate their triumph in the Women's Rugby World Cup.

Tairāwhiti products Charmaine McMenamin and Renee Holmes both featured in the 34-31 victory over England in the final at Eden Park last month.

The team will be in Gisborne on Saturday, December 17, with a public “meet and greet” scheduled for 4pm at the Grey Street Food Festival.

Yesterday the Black Ferns confirmed they would embark on the “Thank You Aotearoa” tour starting next week before wrapping up back in Auckland at the World School Sevens tournament on Sunday, December 18.

Since their victory, the Black Ferns have been celebrated on multiple fronts — including a function in Auckland the day after the final, a dominant showing at the World Rugby Awards, $25,000 bonuses and a guest appearance at a Six60 concert — but have yet to officially be celebrated outside Auckland.

The announced tour comes after many members of the team were celebrated in their home towns . . . in Kaiataia for Krystal Murray, Opotiki for Luka Connor and Murupara for Natalie Delamare. Ruby Tui is set to take part in the Greymouth Santa Parade this weekend.

Players have also given back in Pacific communities with Maia Roos and Theresa Fitzpatrick returning to their roots in Rarotonga and Samoa respectively and taking part in public events.

Date: Monday 5 December

Time: 4pm

Details: Rip Rugby Finals Night at Omokoroa Sports Ground, Omokoroa

Date: Tuesday 6 December

Time: 3.30pm

Details: A public Meet and Greet at Hamilton Old Boys Rugby Club, Hamilton

Date: Wednesday 7 December

Time: 4pm

Details: Skills and Drills at Yarrow Stadium

Date: Thursday 8 December

Time: 3.30pm

Details: A public Meet and Greet at The Square, Palmerston North

Date: Saturday 10 December

Time: from 4.30pm

Details: Players to make an appearance at the Six60 concert at OrangeTheory Stadium

Date: Monday 12 December

Time: 4pm

Details: A public Meet and Greet at Victoria Squad, Christchurch

Date: Tuesday 13 December

Time: 12pm

Details: Public reception at New Zealand Parliament Building

Date: Wednesday 14 December

Time: 11am

Details: A public Meet and Greet and Fun Day at Tiwi Black Park, Ruatoki

Date: Thursday 15 December

Details: To be confirmed

Date: Friday 16 December

Time: 2pm

Details: An event to be held at the Otuwhare Marae

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Date: Saturday 17 December

Time: 4pm

Details: A public Meet and Greet at the Grey St Food Festival, Gisborne

Date: Sunday 18 December

Time: 12pm

Details: Meet and Greet at the World Schools Sevens at Pakuranga Rugby Club.