Ruby Tui might be watching from the crowd this year, but she’s proved she’s still very much part of the team after joining in the haka at the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Before New Zealand’s match against Ireland, the wāhine performed a powerful haka. In a clip shared by Rugby Pass, Ruby was spotted standing proudly in the stands, moving in sync with her former teammates on the field.
As the haka finished, Ruby jumped up and down with excitement, thumping her chest with her fist and clapping to show support to her former teammates.
The camera then panned to the crowd, where fans swung poi, waved flags and erupted into cheers, backing our wāhine.
“Such a fantastic ambassador for the women’s game 👏❤️” one fan wrote.
Another said: “Once a Black Fern, always a Black Fern!!! And ALWAYS a wahine toa!!! 🙌🖤🫶🏼🖤🙌.”
“That’s passion for her country and her teammates 👏," added a third.
Although she missed out on selection for New Zealand’s 2025 World Cup squad, Ruby has signed with the BBC as a correspondent for the tournament in England.
In their announcement, the broadcaster described Tui as a “Black Ferns icon,” adding her “unparalleled insight and athletic experience promises to bring a powerful energy to the tournament.”
Fans clearly agree, flooding this latest haka post with praise.
“Ruby is such a wonderful addition to the commentary team, her knowledge and her passion is just incredible and a pleasure to watch,” one comment read. “She’s also so witty and fun to watch – her energy is infectious.”
They added: “I’m sure she was disappointed not to be called up for the team but if she doesn’t get contracts for both the women’s and men’s commentary teams going forward I’ll be surprised.”
Another wrote: “Ruby’s punditry and analysis has been a breath of fresh air… love her enthusiasm and passion for the game.”
“Well done to the BBC for bringing Ruby on board, an absolute asset to the commentary team,” someone else praised.
The Black Ferns went on to win the game 40-0, and all eyes are now on their quarter-final match against South Africa this Sunday.
