Even a month later, Fiao'o Fa'amausili gets goosebumps thinking of the Rugby World Cup triumph over England.

The Black Ferns skipper and most of the victorious team were given a rowdy reception at the Vodafone Events Centre in Manukau on Thursday, as a guard of honour of local schoolchildren welcomed them to the venue.

Fa'amausili is New Zealand's most capped ever women's player, playing her 52nd game as the Ferns beat England 41-32 in Belfast on August 26.

She said the feeling of winning her fourth World Cup in five attempts gives her a thrill, even today.
"I still get goosebumps watching that final again, it was an amazing time for us all."

Fa'amausili said this team loved to sing, dance and smile and it was support from back in New Zealand that carried them in the second half of the final.

"Our morals are based on family - you defend and you fight for your family.

"In that second half we lifted because we knew our family and supporters were behind us.

"We hope we made you all proud."

She said her teammates were incredible ambassadors for the women's game, which was going from strength to strength.

Earlier, chairman of the New Zealand Rugby Union, Brent Impey, said the 2017 team were inspirational.

"The challenge for rugby now is to grow the women's game and this group here will inspire others going forward," he said.

The speeches were generally informal, with laughter and stories showing off the warmth within the team.