On Top Of The World Black Fern Fi's Time To Shine

She’s fierce, she’s beautiful ... and she’s as tough as rugby boots!

- Kelly Bertrand

She has dedicated 15 years to the sport she loves, so when Black Ferns captain Fiao’o Fa’amausili made the big decision to hang up her boots once and for all, she was determined to leave on a high. And what a high it was as she led her team to victory at the Rugby World Cup in Ireland earlier this month.

“I’m still buzzing now,” she grins as we catch up just days after arriving home from the girls’ amazing win. “It was such a great way to finish up!”

The celebrated hooker has barely had a minute to think, let alone touch up her nail polish for our glam photo shoot. Heels and gowns are not usual attire for this inspirational star, who by day is a hardworking policewoman.

“Oh, no! It’s all chipped!” she says in horror, looking down at her patriotically painted black and white nails. Her legs are battered and bruised, and there’s a faded scratch on her forehead – no-one said winning world titles was easy on the body!