All Blacks hero Sean Fitzpatrick tips England women for Laureus nomination
Laureus Academy Member and All Blacks legend Sean Fitzpatrick believes the England Women’s Rugby Team could be nominated for a Laureus Award, after their exciting win in the Rugby World Cup.
England's 21-9 victory over Canada in the final in Paris gave them their first World Cup triumph since 1994 and ended a run of three losing finals. Centre Emily Scarratt was the star, scoring 16 points.
Fitzpatrick, who played in 92 Test matches for the All Blacks, said: “The England win has certainly focused attention on the women’s game. Rugby has been a little behind football and cricket in seeing the game flourish on the international stage, but hopefully the gap is being narrowed.
“It was a terrific performance by England and I hope to see them nominated for the Laureus Team Award.”
Fitzpatrick’s own team the All Blacks will also be strong candidates for nomination for the fourth time in five years after their remarkable run of success, though he was disappointed that they were not able to create a world record of 18 successive wins, when they were held to a 12-12 draw by Australia.
“Naturally I was a little disappointed that the All Blacks were not able to chalk up their 18th win last weekend, but that does not detract from their amazing run of form since the World Cup. And they did not lose!
“Like me, I am sure all New Zealanders are waiting with anticipation for next year’s World Cup.”
