'Is that legal': Why Black Ferns star 'randomly' signed rugby magazines

Black Ferns star Ruby Tui has shared a video online of her signing magazines in a news agency, as she called on supporters to buy the book with “a women’s rugby player on the front.”

Tui, who was crowned World Rugby’s Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year, played a key role in the Black Ferns’ ground-breaking World Cup triumph on home soil.

This year’s World Cup was an historic occasion for women’s rugby, as a rugby-mad nation supported their team like never before.

More than 42,000 supporters packed at the stands at the world famous venue Eden Park for a blockbuster final against England – the second time the venue had sold out in as many weeks.

While the Black Ferns fought valiantly in the epic decider, as they fought against the odds to defend the World No. 1 Red Roses, they truly lived up to the moniker of champions.

Not only did they inspire a nation throughout an incredible tournament, but they captured the hearts of their supporters as well with the actions away from the field.

As the celebrations kicked off around Aotearoa, Tui gifted her World Cup winners medal to an aspiring Black Fern at the parade in Auckland last month.

Tui had quickly become one of New Zealand’s favourite rugby players – if not the favourite – as seen in the latest edition of Rugby News.

The Olympic gold medallist featured on the front cover of the famous magazine, which she was filmed signing just before Christmas.

“I’ve just been signing these in shops randomly is that legal? Tui wrote.

Tui’s video went viral on the popular social media platform. More than 676,000 users had seen the video at the time of writing, and almost 550 retweets.

“You know, they say apparently if there is a woman on the cover of a rugby magazine, that the magazine won’t sell,” Tui said in a video on Twitter.

“So, if you are looking for a last-minute gift or you just want to be a good sort and support a good cause, make sure you go and grab a rugby magazine with a woman’s rugby player on the front.

I’ve just been signing these in shops randomly is that legal? 😂🫣#ournationalsport #lnb #proudkiwi pic.twitter.com/tPzEEywIy6

— Rubes Tui (@rubytui) December 23, 2022

“And hey, if you’re lucky, you might even get a signed one.”

Tui’s video went viral on the popular social media platform. More than 676,000 users had seen the video at the time of writing, and almost 550 retweets.

While all of the comments on the video weren’t positive, most people appreciate the gesture and the significance of it.

“How do you grow the game?” One fan asked.

“Ruby Tui. Ruby is how you grow the game. Fun, flair, honesty, humility, commitment, personality, skill. The whole package.

“We need more characters & player access in the game. People need heroes they can get behind. Never change @rugbytui.”