The Wellington mayor says they are keen to celebrate the Black Ferns' Women's Rugby World Cup success with a street parade held in the city. Photo / Photosport
Wellington has put its hand up to welcome the champion Black Ferns rugby team home with a celebratory street parade but Auckland is yet to consider whether to follow suit.
The 2017 Women's Rugby World Cup winners are being praised for a thrilling final against England's Red Roses that led to their 41-32 win in Belfast.
Wellington mayor Justin Lester was quick to congratulate the team publicly on Twitter this morning.
"Whoop! Congratulations Black Ferns and well played Red Roses.''
He then went on to promise a street parade for the team, if they were keen for it.
"Let us know when you're back home @BlackFerns. We'd love to celebrate your success with a street parade in Wellington," he wrote.
Those in Wellington loved the mayor's idea, one replying to him: "That's why Wellywood is the best!"
Another woman said: "Yes parade! What an incredible team, sensational tournament.''
Other winning New Zealand teams - including the All Blacks, Team New Zealand and some Super Rugby teams - have had victory parades in big cities including Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
Aucklanders are yet to find out whether or not a parade will take place in their city.
A spokesman for Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development said there had yet to be any discussions about a victory parade.
However, there would be talks with the necessary people - including New Zealand Rugby - about the topic over the next few days, he said.
A spokeswoman for New Zealand Rugby said the majority of the champion team will touch down in Auckland on Tuesday.
An advisory detailing any welcome home events or celebrations, including parades, would be released early next week, she said.
NZ Rugby congratulated the team on its efforts to bring the Cup back to New Zealand soil.
Chairman Brent Impey said: "This morning's victory is the result of a lot of hard work from a lot of people and we are incredibly proud how the Black Ferns have performed throughout the campaign.
"The final was a brilliant showcase of rugby and I have no doubt the Black Ferns will have inspired young girls and boys across New Zealand with their performance.''
Impey congratulated the team's coach, Glenn Moore, for his exemplary work with the squad and also made special mention of team captain Fiao'o Fa'amausili, who is due to bow out of international rugby after five Rugby World Cup campaigns.
"Fiao'o is a world-class leader and has enjoyed an impressive international career.
"She is a great role model to all rugby players.''
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