Ruby Tui, the standout wing for the Black Ferns, continues to exemplify that rugby extends beyond the boundaries of the field, creating a magical moment with a young fan at Sky Stadium.
Tui, instrumental in capturing the hearts of a rugby-loving nation during last year’s triumphant World Cup, embodies the essence of a professional athlete in New Zealand.
Following the Black Ferns’ heart-wrenching 18-17 loss to France at Wellington’s venue late last month, Tui fulfilled a promise made with a fan during an opening training session.
Young Black Ferns supporter Izzy held up a sign that read “scissors, paper, rock for your boots,” and Tui, true to her word, engaged in the playful exchange. Tui presented rock to Izzy’s paper, acknowledging that paper triumphs over rock. With a radiant smile, the Rugby World Cup-winning Black Fern Tui signed her boots and handed them over.
“So this is Izzy, and she came to one of our open trainings, and we made a deal – paper, scissors, rock, I was going to give her my boots,” Tui shared in a video on the Black Ferns’ Instagram.
“Keeping my end of the bargain,” Tui continued as she approached Izzy. “Got to keep your end of the bargain, and a win’s a win. Deal’s a deal. Nothing’s better than fans that just follow us, but then turn up to every game, and that’s Izzy and Anahira, so here you go, guys.”
This heartwarming gesture echoes Tui’s previous act of generosity after New Zealand’s historic Rugby World Cup victory at Eden Park last year. Tui graciously gifted her winner’s medal to an aspiring Black Fern during a parade in Auckland.
Tui had already become one of the most recognizable rugby figures in New Zealand. The Olympic gold medallist adorned the front cover of Rugby News shortly after, taking it a step further to advocate for the growth of women’s rugby.
Initially signing the magazine, Tui humorously questioned its legality in a video on Twitter. “You know, they say apparently if there is a woman on the cover of a rugby magazine, that the magazine won’t sell,” she remarked.
“So, if you are looking for a last-minute gift or you just want to be a good sort and support a good cause, make sure you go and grab a rugby magazine with a woman’s rugby player on the front. And hey, if you’re lucky, you might even get a signed one.”