Former Black Fern and Northland Women’s Rugby Lead, Cheryl Smith, was honored with the prestigious MNZM (Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit) on Friday in recognition of her exceptional contributions to rugby. Cheryl's remarkable journey, from her days as a World Cup-winning player to her role as first-ever woman to coach the Northland men’s senior rugby team, has left an undeniable mark on the sport.

Cheryl Smith's rugby career has been nothing short of extraordinary. She was an integral part of the Black Ferns World Cup-winning squads in 1998 and 2002, where her dedication and talent shone on the international stage. However, her trailblazing journey did not stop there. Cheryl made history by becoming the first-ever woman to coach the Northland men’s senior rugby team, breaking down barriers and proving that passion and knowledge transcend the norm in sport.

Today, Cheryl continues to make a significant impact on the sport she loves. She currently serves as the Women's Rugby Development Officer at Northland Rugby Union, where her focus is on building the women’s game in Tai Tokerau. Her tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to the growth of women's rugby in the region have not gone unnoticed.

Northland Rugby Union is immensely proud to see Cheryl Smith receive this well-deserved honor. Her dedication, expertise, and passion for rugby have made her a true role model and leader in the sport. This MNZM recognition is a testament to her outstanding contributions to rugby in New Zealand.

Upon receiving the award, Cheryl Smith humbly shared her sentiments, saying, "It was a real privilege and really emotional. It’s hard to put into words the wairua in the room and also the overwhelming sense of gratitude I feel. I will never know who nominated me unless they tell me. For me, I was receiving this award not just for me but for everybody that had been with me on my journey in rugby. I accepted this accolade knowing that people were standing beside me. Not in my wildest dreams would I think I would receive something like this. For me, what I do is because I love the game. It’s not about getting accolades; it’s about my love for the sport. It was a privilege to be there with Wayne Smith, who was also knighted as he was one of my Black Ferns coaches back in the day. This is one of the highlights of my life to date."

Cheryl Smith's MNZM is not only a recognition of her incredible achievements but also a celebration of her passion and dedication to rugby. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and coaches alike, proving that with hard work and determination, anything is possible in the world of sports.

Article added: Tuesday 12 September 2023