There was a heavy Otago presence at the inaugural Black Ferns capping ceremony over the weekend.
The ceremony, which took place at Eden Park last Friday night, was the first of several events to honour all women who have worn the Silver Fern.
More than 300 former Black Ferns, coaches, management, rugby family and friends were at the dinner to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the team's inaugural Women's Rugby World Cup victory and to honour New Zealand's most successful women's sports team.
In those early days, Otago was dominant in provincial rugby and, along with Auckland, provided plenty of players to the New Zealand women's rugby team.
Receiving the caps on Friday night were the 1998 Black Ferns and players who represented the Black Ferns in matches in 1989 and 1990 and went on to play an official test. Black Ferns who travelled from overseas to attend and the families of Black Ferns who have died were also capped.
Over the next three years, 161 women who have played in sanctioned tests will be capped in ceremonies around New Zealand.
The caps are based on traditional rugby caps and feature the Black Fern's number, the silver fern and details of the player's test debut.
One of the instigators of the women's game in the country, Sue Garden-Bachop, was honoured at the ceremony in a special presentation. Garden-Bachop passed away in 2009. Her father, Bob, and son Jackson were at the ceremony.
Former Black Fern and long-standing Otago player Margaret McKenzie said it was a great night out and everyone had enjoyed themselves.
Some players had come back from overseas. Former Spirit prop Kath Wilton came back from Canada and former Spirit No8 Shannon Willoughby returned from Singapore for the ceremony.
