Otago Spirit player Oceania Campbell and ‘‘Nancy’’, as the Women's Rugby World Cup trophy is known, headed across Foveaux Strait to Stewart Island as part of the official trophy tour.
Campbell (18) went to Half Moon Bay School to lead rugby drills and chat to pupils about their aspirations in a bid to increase the popularity of the sport on the island.
“Being from a small place and being kind of isolated here, it can't be easy for kids to be exposed to rugby,’’ she said.
‘‘But New Zealand is like a big community, and rugby is definitely a sport that brings everyone together.
“So it is really amazing the rugby world allows us to come down here and let the kids on the smallest island be involved. It is a really good opportunity.”
She felt honoured to be representing this sport and hoped she motivated more children — especially girls — to get into the sport.
“When I was young, there wasn’t much exposure to women’s rugby. So to be a part of it and actually be involved . . . the change in women’s rugby is just unreal, and hopefully we can make a difference.
“We have many little girls out here that are so talented and skilful.”
Tessa Helen (12), a pupil at the school, said she always enjoyed rugby but now she felt more connected to the sport after Campbell’s visit.
Principal Kath Johnson said the children were delighted to have a special visitor.
“It is really cool to see them see something different and meet some different people,’’ she said.
‘‘We are not very into rugby so it is something really new for these guys. We do different sports like swimming, kayaking . . . outdoors kind of stuff. So it is awesome that they learn something new.”
She said after the visit some children indicated they wanted to play rugby at high school.
The Women’s Rugby World Cup will be held in Auckland and Whangarei from October 8 to November 12.
