Two-time World Cup-winning Black Fern Cheryl Waaka dies aged 56
Cheryl Waaka, a two-time Rugby World Cup-winning Black Fern, has passed away at age 56 following a battle with cancer. She is remembered as a trailblazer who broke coaching barriers for women in New Zealand rugby.
Why it matters
Waaka's death marks the loss of a significant figure in women's sports history and a pioneer for female coaching in rugby.
Cheryl Waaka for the Black Ferns during the 1998 Rugby World Cup. Photo / Photosport
The Northland rugby community is mourning the “devastating” loss of two-time Rugby World Cup-winning Black Fern Cheryl Waaka.
Waaka, who is being remembered as a trailblazer of the game, died today aged 56.
She was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer last year , prompting the establishment of a Givealittle page that raised more than $80,000 towards her treatment.
She came from a strong rugby background, with her father, Wattie Waaka, and brothers Brent and Tuck Waaka all representing the Māori All Blacks.
But she forged her own path in the sport, playing 20 tests for the Black Ferns as a loose forward between 1997 and 2004 and helping New Zealand to Rugby World Cup glory in 1998 and 2002.
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