Speaking today, the young fan told Newshub at the celebrations in downtown Auckland she was “in shock and crying” after receiving the touching gift from Tui.
“After the game, I hung around waiting for her,” said Lucia. “She gave me a hug and took off the medal and gave me the medal.”
Newshub reported Lucia and her family visited the team hotel on Sunday, trying to return the medal - but Tui would not let them.
Instead, she accepted Lucia’s Player of the Year trophy and one of her cancer survivor beads.
It was one of two magic off-field moments Tui created in the wake of New Zealand’s stunning World Cup final win over England.
After New Zealand somehow survived the deadly English maul to topple a team hailed by coach Wayne Smith as the best of all time, thrilling a record-breaking Eden Park crowd and completing their incredible resurgence, it was Tui’s turn to speak.
The Ferns winger began her post-match interview running high on emotion, thanking the packed Eden Park crowd for their support and beaming with pride.
“How was it New Zealand? How was it?
“I’m just so proud to be a New Zealander right now,” said Tui.
“They said nobody cared about women’s rugby, well guess what? We out here. We’re going nowhere.
“They said we couldn’t do it, they said we wouldn’t and honestly - it took all of us.”
At this stage, Tui had the 42,579-strong Eden Park crowd in the palm of her hand and began to sing Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi, the waiata most New Zealanders learn while at primary school. The Eden Park crowd responded in full voice.
One fan posted on social media: “Men’s Rugby can learn a lot from Ruby Tui..her enthusiasm and originality is f***ing infectuous…legend”
Another wrote: “Ruby Tui is an international treasure. That woman gives me goosebumps. What an advocate for women in sport.”
