The unbeaten Defence Ferns will go head-to-head with France next Tuesday as they battle to secure the inaugural women’s International Defence Rugby Championship.
Fiji also take on Australia for 3rd and 4th, while Tonga will play United Kingdom in the Plate final.
This month the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) welcomed eight nations to the shores of Aotearoa hosting the very first women’s International Defence Rugby Competition (IDRC).
The IDRC has seen international Defence women from Australia, Fiji, France, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, United Kingdom, and Vanuatu unite through sport.
While competing fiercely on field, the teams have cheered each other on off the field, connecting through their passion for the great game of rugby.
Defence Ferns co-captain, Air Force Corporal Hayley Hutana, said she was proud to be amongst this talented Defence Ferns team, facing their opponents and doing the NZDF haka.
“It feels really powerful. Especially because it’s unique to us. To be hosting the competition, and performing the haka at home is such a special feeling.”
Three pool games and a semi-final have determined the teams to take the finals, and it includes New Zealand’s very own Defence Ferns.
Don’t miss the final action
Tuesday, 25 October, at the College Rifles Rugby Club, Remuera, and streamed online.
Open to the public, people around Auckland are invited to bring their friends and whanau along to soak up the atmosphere at College Rifles, or bring their support online and watch the livestream – get behind these NZDF wahine toa as they battle to be the best!
How to watch
Visit NZDF competition page at: nzdf.mil.nz/idrc for match information and to watch the livestream, or replays.
Keep up with the highlights
Follow NZ Defence Force Sport Facebook: NZDFSport for up to date competition news and events.
