The sonic is inspired by the Kaikaranga - a female caller and a Player of the Match will receive their own trophy. Photo / Supplied
The sonic is inspired by the Kaikaranga - a female caller and a Player of the Match will receive their own trophy. Photo / Supplied
Players of the match at each Women's Rugby World Cup will receive a unique Māori gift.
A special 'sonic' kaikaranga-inspired Player of the Match trophy has been created for each of the 26 matches in the Women's Rugby World Cup which kicked off on Saturday.
Unveiled at Eden Park onSaturday, the design was inspired by the kaikaranga - a powerful, graceful, and courageous leader and the ceremonial female voice of Māori.
This one-of-a-kind trophy will be received by one person for each game who demonstrates these same qualities on the pitch at Rugby World Cup 2021.
Working with local experts Piri Rongo Hetet-Wairau and contemporary Māori fashion designer Nichola Te Kiri, the organisers wanted to authentically represent local Aotearoa culture and identity through the concept, symbolism, and design of the trophy. The trophy blends unique live-action audio recordings from the match edited in real time, incorporating Mastercard's sonic melody while celebrating Māori culture through the voice of Piri Rongo Hetet-Wairau.
"Māori narratives highlight strength and leadership abilities of women, and I'm honoured to work with Mastercard to bring that symbolism to the trophy design for these incredibly talented athletes," Te Kiri said.
"The trophy's cloak-like shape, colour and patterns represent a woman's responsibility/role as a leader and her connection to her landscape. With the sonic element providing a commemoration of each match, I am truly privileged to pay homage to these outstanding athletes and their individual and unique narratives."
Womens World Cup Ambassodor Black Fern Portia Woodman. Photo / Supplied
Black Fern Portia Woodman is a Mastercard Global Brand Ambassador.
"Having played in a number of tournaments and matches and been fortunate to bring home trophies along the way, I know how truly unique this innovation is," Woodman said.
"Many matches feel unforgettable, but this personalised prize capturing audio highlights lets players relive some of the most incredible moments of their career. That is unbelievably special."
Mastercard is thrilled with its sponsorship of women's rugby.
"Rugby World Cup 2021 is set to be the biggest celebration of women's rugby the world has ever seen. It will be a truly special tournament that celebrates and showcases the world's best women's rugby players, in front of record-breaking crowds," said Sally Horrox, World Rugby director of women's rugby.
"We are committed to raising the profile of the women's game, working closely with our global partners including Mastercard. We are proud to partner with a brand that shares our vision and ambition to supercharge the women's game worldwide."
