'They're not girls, they're legends': Ardern thanks Black Ferns 'for changing history'

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has praised the Black Ferns for “changing history” last month, as they were crowned world champions in front of more than 42,000 fans at Eden Park.

The significance of this year’s Rugby World Cup transcends sport, as New Zealand’s women’s rugby team both inspired and united a rugby-mad nation like never before.

Under the guidance of super coach Wayne Smith, the Black Ferns dared to dream of a once improbable World Cup triumph.

The memories of a disastrous end-of-season tour to England and France hadn’t been forgotten, as the Black Ferns began their tournament on home soil less than a year later.

But the Black Ferns were a different team, and they on the cusp of history.

New Zealand had revolutionised their attack under Smith, and were able to capture the hearts of Aotearoa as they dared to dream.

The Black Ferns were heroic in how they carried themselves both on and off the field, and the impact they were able to have is still being felt today.

This week, the Black Ferns have travelled around the country for their ‘Thank you, Aotearoa’ tour, which included a stop at Parliament earlier this week.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern thanked the champion team on Tuesday “for showing girls that they can do anything.”

“We’re all here in person for one reason, and one reason alone – and that’s to say thank you to this incredible team,” Ardern said.

“I thought it was captured by one sign that stood there in that sold out Eden Park crowd, held by one young fan, that said ‘they’re not girls, they’re legends.’

“I’m just here to say, alongside all of you, alongside MPs from every party in Parliament, thank you.

“Thank you for making our national game, everybody’s game, thank you for being role models, thank you for changing history.

“Thank you for showing girls that they can do anything, and that when they take the field, they’re not girls – they’re sportspeople at the top of their game, who deserve our recognition.

“Thank you for showing everyone what you have done for years, not just months.

“Thank you for being world champions.”

The Black Ferns’ thrilling win over France in their semi-final was a ground-breaking occasion for the team, as they played in front of a sold out Eden Park.

Rugby fans were at full voice in the dying stages of that Test, as the team desperately held on for a famous win.

But the support continued to grow over the next week, as the famous Auckland venue was sold out again for the decider against World No. 1 England.

The Red Roses, who were on a 30 Test unbeaten streak ahead of the final, were heavily favoured to win back the World Cup – and to break kiwi hearts.

But a match-winning lineout steal from lock Joanah Ngan-Woo in the dying stages ultimately won the final for the home team, who won the tournament for a sixth time.