Cull congratulated the Black Ferns on their World Cup final win yesterday, saying it was an epic performance, capping off a sensational tournament for them.
‘‘I’m sure their victory will help to inspire the next generation of young rugby players. Dunedin is a proud rugby city and the Black Ferns coach Glenn Moore, and several of the players have strong connections to Otago,’’ he said.
‘‘Dunedin always likes to celebrate the achievements of our national sporting teams and I warmly invite the Black Ferns to Dunedin for a public victory parade so our community can congratulate them and celebrate their win.’’
New Zealand Rugby said it was investigating with team management and other parties the best way to share the Black Ferns’ victory with the public.
The Black Ferns are expected back in the country sometime today. It is believed many players have stayed in Europe for a holiday after the tournament so it will not be the whole squad returning home today.
Moore is a former North Otago and Highlanders coach, who has coached the Black Ferns for the past couple of years.
Kelly Brazier, who played at second five-eighth for the Black Ferns in the final, in which the side beat England 41-32, learnt all her rugby in Dunedin before moving to Bay of Plenty for sevens commitments.
Inside her in the final on Sunday was first five-eighth Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali, who also has links with Dunedin.
She has played for the Otago Spirit and still spends time in the South, though she plays her provincial rugby for Counties-Manukau. Winger Carla Hohepa started her rugby career in Dunedin, with the Otago Spirit.
The last parade in Dunedin for a victorious sporting team was for the New Zealand America’s Cup team on July 13.
