Women's Rugby World Cup 2021 (played in 2022) Captains - Scotland, Rachel Malcolm - Japan, Saki Minami - Australia, Shannon Perry - Wales, Siwan Lillicrap - France, Gaelle Hermet - England Sarah Hunter - New Zealand, Kennedy Simon - Fiji, Sereima Leweniqila - South Africa, Nolusindiso Booi - USA, Kate Zackary - Canada, Sophie de Goede - Italy, Elisa Giordano. Photo: Brett Phibbs/www.photosport.nz
The 12 nations competing at the women's Rugby World Cup have been officially welcomed at a ceremony in Auckland.
Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro, officially welcomed the players to Auckland, with just five days to go until the tournament kicks off at Eden Park, in what is shaping up as a record-breaking crowd for a women's match of more than 30,000 fans.
"Rugby is bigger than just a game in New Zealand. For many a New Zealander, it's part of who we are. The black jersey and silver fern hold a very special place in the hearts of many New Zealanders," she said.
"The measure of success for this World Cup is not just the numbers watching each game, and who raises the silverware come November 12. Its most important legacy will be the tamariki (youth) who see themselves represented on the field, who are inspired to join their local club or to kick a ball around with their friends at school."
It's the first time the tournament is being held in the southern hemisphere, with hosts New Zealand the defending champions.
"The development of women in rugby is the single greatest opportunity for our sport to grow in the next decade," World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin said.
"Rugby World Cup 2021 promises to be a very special event, which will springboard the sport into a golden era of opportunity, accelerating the phenomenal rise of women's rugby on a global basis."
Black Ferns co-captain Ruahei Demant was confident the tournament would inspire the nation.
Black Ferns co-captains Ruahei Demant and Kennedy Simon. Photo: Brett Phibbs/www.photosport.nz
"Thinking back to 2011 when we hosted the men's World Cup and how much that inspired the nation, we hope that this World Cup can do the same."
The tournament was due to be played last year but was postponed because of the Covid pandemic.
"We are grateful to be here. It has been a journey, we've been through some tough times just to be here so we are just grateful and ready to get out there," Fiji captain Sereima Leweniqila said.
The tournament kicks off with a triple header on Saturday - with South Africa playing France, England playing Fiji while the Black Ferns take on Australia.
-RNZ