Celebrating women’s rugby

Christchurch is part of a pop-up street art exhibition celebrating women’s rugby.

The Support Our Sisters: The Art of Rugby series has seen seven bespoke, large scale street artworks on display in Christchurch, Whangarei, Auckland, and Hamilton since mid-September.

Rugby World Cup collaborated with seven established New Zealand street artists, who have encapsulated women’s rugby through unique artworks which include illustration, graphic street art, surrealism and realism. They range in scale from five to 50 metres, on various mediums from mural walls, buildings and hoardings to public institutions.

In Christchurch, artist Wongi Wilson has paid special homage to Canterbury’s own, Kendra Cocksedge, at the Christchurch Town Hall with artwork pictured here.

Rugby World Cup 2021 Tournament Director Michelle Hooper says the nationwide exhibition reflects New Zealand’s love for rugby and burgeoning support for the women’s game.
Black Fern Kendra Cocksedge says to play a Rugby World Cup on home soil with the world watching is a dream come true.

“This nationwide artwork exhibition is so diverse and fun, I hope that it captures peoples’ imaginations. Support for all the nations playing and our rugby sisterhood is vital to transmitting the power and opportunity of rugby to women and girls around the world,” she adds.

The games started on 8 October and run until 12 November.