The New Zealand women’s rugby team, known as the Black Ferns, celebrated their historic second consecutive Olympic gold medal in style, performing the traditional Haka after a thrilling victory over Canada. The Black Ferns triumphed 19-12 in the final match, solidifying their dominance in the sport since 2021.
The electrifying final took place at the Stade de France, where over 60,000 fans witnessed the Black Ferns’ remarkable achievement. This was in stark contrast to their previous gold medal win in Tokyo, which occurred without spectators due to COVID-19 restrictions. The return of a live audience added to the significance of the victory and the emotional resonance of the Haka performance.
The Haka, a ceremonial dance deeply rooted in Maori culture, was performed by the New Zealand team after they received their medals. The powerful and moving dance symbolized their unity, strength, and pride, and was a tribute to their heritage and the support of their fans.
In addition to New Zealand’s victory, the U.S. team secured their first Olympic medal in rugby sevens by edging out Australia 14-12 to earn bronze. The American women, having lost to New Zealand in the semi-finals, showcased their resilience by defeating Australia in a nail-biting finish. Alex Sedrick’s length-of-the-field try and conversion in the dying seconds sealed the win, marking a historic moment for U.S. women’s rugby.
The Black Ferns’ back-to-back Olympic titles and the U.S. team’s bronze medal highlight the growing competitiveness and excitement in women’s rugby, promising a bright future for the sport on the global stage.
