The Black Ferns have plenty of support in York for their opening match against Spain.
New Zealanders that live in York and Scotland, Kiwis on holiday, and holiday makers from other countries are among those 1News spoke to who are backing the team.
Samantha Banks travelled from Leeds with her son George and thought it would be a special opportunity for him to learn more about the world champion Black Ferns and connect with his mum’s home country.
“The opportunity to bring him to watch Kiwi team play, and particularly because it’s a women’s rugby, so yeah, exciting and a little bit emotional to be honest,” she said.
Banks said she was “amazed” by just how many Kiwis have turned out, among the fans for Las Leonas, the Spanish side.
“There’s black shirts everywhere, which is just incredible. It must be amazing for them. I think it’s really, really important to get behind them.”
Brendan Robb made the move to York from Wellington 18 years ago and was watching the game with his British wife.
“They’re in York, and you’ve got to support them. It’s like, you know, how often does this happen? I’ve got to kind of cheer them on, show them some honour and hopefully have a great game,” he said.
Joe, who didn’t want to give his last name, is in York for the game with a bunch of Kiwis who lives in Scotland.
Some fans said with matches being in England this time, compared to the sea of Kiwi supporters seen in the crowd during the last World Cup in New Zealand, it’s more important for those based over here to turn out for the Ferns to feel the support from home.
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