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'It's not just a man's sport' - retiring skipper urges fans to get behind Black Ferns

November 19, 2018

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - AUGUST 26: Fiao'o Faamausili of New Zealand lifts the trophy following the Women's Rugby World Cup 2017 Final between England and New Zealand at Kingspan Stadium on August 26, 2017 in Belfast, United Kingdom. (Photo by Charles McQuillan - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images) — Fiao'o Faamausili of New Zealand lifts the trophy following the Women's Rugby World Cup 2017 Final between England and New Zealand. (Source: Getty)

Former Black Ferns captain Fiao'o Fa'amausili has called on Kiwi fans to get behind the women's game, following her retirement after yesterday's 30-27 loss to France in Grenoble.

Calling time on her career for the second time, Fa'amausili says New Zealand need to back their women's side, with low attendances for Black Ferns games a dire warning ahead of the 2021 Women's World Cup.

"Just keep getting behind the women's game," she said post-match.

"As you can see it was standalone game and it was a sellout."

"The French are really up there supporting the women, so we just really want to keep building and fill the stadium, fill the stadium supporting the women's game.

"Because by golly, it's not just a man's sport, it's rugby and we love it."

France's victory yesterday saw the Black Ferns' 17-month winning streak come to an end.

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