Manukau Courier:
The Black Ferns’ World Cup success has fired up the interest of young girls’ in rugby.
By just how much was evident at the civic celebration for the world champions at the Vodafone Events Centre in Manukau last Thursday.
The majority of the 300 or so well wishers were by far girls. They were of primary, intermediate and secondary school age and included the Southern Cross Campus girls’ 1st XV, Auckland champions for the last four years.
The champion Rosehill College girl’s 1st XV were also there, including Utumalama Atonio, who started at centre for the Counties Manukau Heat against Canterbury.
“We’re really proud of what they achieved and came to pay our respects,” Antonio says.