London using All Blacks' rugby haka to help inspire study

The haka is being used to help inspire schoolgirls to study science and technology in sport. Photo / Getty Images

The All Blacks' rugby haka is being used to help inspire London schoolgirls to study science and technology in sport.

Virtual reality experience, Haka 360, highlights the famous traditional pre-match Maori challenge which has been wowing crowds at the Rugby World Cup 2015.

Now, it is being used to help inspire young women and girls to pursue studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

New Zealand rugby star Aaron Cruden attended a workshop, hosted by international organisation Greenlight for Girls, for a group of 90 schoolgirls aged between 11 and 14 in London this week, the Evening Standard newspaper reported.

"It is incredibly important that we encourage girls to consider science as a career opportunity," said Dr Tania Mathias, MP for Twickenham, who also attended the haka session.

"The widespread use of sports science in rugby, comprising physics, technology, nutrition and ergonomics means the Rugby World Cup presents a perfect opportunity to encourage budding scientists to think about sports, and budding athletes to think about science."