Renee Holmes has shown exactly why the Black Ferns are so loved by their fans after an emotional moment following their first Women’s Rugby World Cup game.
After winning the match against Spain, the fullback made her way around the crowd, stopping for a Spanish supporter who was sporting an All Blacks jersey.
“Sometimes it’s good to meet your heroes 🥹,” RugbyPass wrote on Instagram.
In the clip, Holmes can be heard saying, “Don’t tell anyone,” as she reaches for her ponytail and pulls out her hair tie.
“I’ll get in trouble,” she mouths before handing the black and white ribbons to the grateful fan.
The supporter, with the Spanish flag painted on her cheeks, looked completely shocked. Her jaw dropped to the floor before she teared up and got a big hug from Holmes.
“Thank you so much,” she said through the emotion.
While the “secret” didn’t stay hidden for long - the footage went viral with 3.8 million views in just 24 hours - Holmes has been praised for turning such a small gesture into a moment that fan will never forget.
“Awwwww you can see the genuine appreciation as she walks away 🥹,” wrote More FM’s Lana Searle.
“Priceless,” added another. “This is the beauty of our rugby - we share our aroha with everyone.”
A third said: “This Rugby World Cup is already a success... the fair play and friendship between teams and fans is so beautiful to see.”
Another simply put it: “This is rugby!!!”
We love our wāhine and the way they look after their supporters!
