Who better to welcome iconic actress Miriam Margoyles to NZ than one of our finest athletes, Ruby Tui?
Miriam took a trip around Aotearoa for her new show ' Miriam Margolyes in New Zealand’, and Black Ferns star Ruby joined her for episode one.
It didn't take long for Ruby to convert 'rugby-loathing' Miriam into a die-hard fan, but not just for any team.
“[The Black Ferns are] the only team I wanted to meet,” she told the Winger. “I’m not interested in Rugby, darling.”
“You’re the only ‘Harry Potter’ character I wanted to meet too,” Ruby replied, sparking a fit of laughter.
At the team's training camp in Taupō, Miriam sat down with Ruby to chat about what representing New Zealand means to her.
Speaking about her life before becoming a Black Fern, Ruby explained that she’d never heard about the team she’d later play for growing up.
“They were never on TV, they were never talked about, they weren’t acknowledged as the world’s best sports team.”
Curious to know Ruby’s background, Miriam asked if she grew up wealthy, and while many would answer with a monetary reply, Ruby took a much more humble approach.
“What’s your definition of wealth?” she asked. “‘Cause I was wealthy with love, I was wealthy with perspective.”
“New Zealand’s got a wide range of upbringings. My dad is from Samoa… I don’t have a single drop of Māori in my blood,” Ruby revealed.
But that hasn’t taken away from what she stands for.
“I represent New Zealand and Māori culture is part of the country I’m representing,” Ruby said.
How can I not respect that and educate myself about the culture?
She added: “When I take that field, it has absolutely nothing to do with myself. It’s our responsibility as kaitiaki or guardianship of this to understand we’re representing the whole of New Zealand.”
Miriam, blown away, replied: “You represent more than you are… and you’re conscious of that.”
And just like that Miriam said she’s been “converted into a Black Ferns fan”, not because of her love for Rugby, but “for what these powerful women represent.”
If that is not the most wholesome thing you’ve seen, I don’t know what is.
We can’t wait to catch Miriam at a game cheering on our wāhine with her Black Ferns gear.
