'Amazing journey': Triumphant Black Ferns Rugby World Cup winners arrive to rapturous welcome

Black Ferns captain Fiao'o Fa'amausili told fans at Auckland Airport this morning she always knew her team would win the Rugby World Cup.

She and the victorious rugby players were showered in hugs and kisses and decorated with colourful lolly necklaces and leaf lei and flower crowns when they arrived to a noisy welcome from a large contingent of fans this morning.

A Cook Islands cultural group and members of Rutherford College's kapa haka group, Te Kotuku, greeted the team with a performance, and a kaumatua welcomed them back to New Zealand soil in prayer.

The Black Ferns then thanked the crowd with a haka of their own.

Songs, dances and prayers welcomed the Black Ferns. Photo / Jason Oxenham

Members of the team stayed back to meet and greet fans who had come out early to see them.

Fa'amausili acknowledged that the team was a multi-cultural group of women who reflected New Zealand.

She said there was no point in the final against England where she doubted the Kiwis would come out tops.

"I believed in the girls," she said.

Toka Natua, who became the first prop to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final, reiterated the captain's thoughts, saying she too always knew they were going to win the tournament.

She said the support back home kept them strong, as well as the support in each other.

The Tokoroa-born player was met by a big welcome party, with family and friends turning out to see their champion.

"It's so good to be home. It's been a long month and I'm just keen to have my family time and be with them."

Now she was looking forward to the delights of home.

"Maybe just a Quarter Pounder with mayo," she laughed.

The World Cup was raised towards the heavens as the girls were invited to dance with cultural group members, as island drums beat loudly in the background.

Rutherford College has a special connection to the team through hooker Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate, who is a former pupil and whose mother is a teacher at the West Auckland high school.

Te Kura's brother, Paratene Ngata-Aerengamate, a student teacher at the college said they were incredibly proud of his sister as well as the team.

"I'm just very proud as a brother. She's paved the way for us in so many ways already and she's just awesome."

Team captain Fiao'o Faamausili posted a picture of the team's trophy.

Superfan Ula Tofaeono caught the bus from Manukau to the airport to support her favourite team.

Dressed in a blag flag and a hat decorated with a black lei and silver tinsel, she said she had been supporting the team for a long time.

"I go to Eden Park all the time. I'm just a big rugby supporter.

"My favourite players are the captain, Fi Fa'amausili and Charmaine Smith - the one who got the try under the post. She's very good."

A crew of Cook Island drummers also welcomed the team home.

The Black Ferns finished a stellar tournament with a thrilling 41-32 win against England's Red Roses early Sunday morning (NZT).

Members of the team were seen jumping for joy and hugging each other fiercely when the final whistle went off, as streamers rained down on them.

The Black Ferns will get a rapturous welcome when they arrive. Photo /