Black Ferns' Ruby Tui won the 15s Breakthrough player of the year this morning at the Rugby awards ceremony in Monaco.
Ruby said, "It's amazing to be here, it's a whirlwind, I'm so proud of New Zealand. It's such an honour to win this award, at 27 and a half years old, I think I've set a record for the rookie.”
After winning the Rugby World Cup against England and celebrating the victory, Ruby spotted a young fan, Lucia in the crowd.
Without any hesitation, Ruby removed the just-won gold medal from her neck and put it around the neck of Lucia, who had recently won her battle with leukemia.
A few weeks before the game at a fan event, Lucia's dad told Ruby that she had recovered from leukemia. Lucia told Ruby that her dream is to become a Black fern.
"She's just been through a pretty hard battle," Ruby said at the awards ceremony.
Showing the bead necklace she's wearing, Ruby revealed that the bead was gifted by Lucia. Children receive beads throughout their cancer treatment to honour their strength and courage.
"She actually gave me her biggest bead that represents bravery so this is my gold medal now and I wouldn't have it any other way".
"That is amazing and I am hugely touched," the emcee said.
"However, there is a belief at the world rugby that everybody who wins at rugby world cup should have a medal" he added.
With saying that, Ruby got awarded another gold medal for her to keep.
"I'm so so happy right now, that was a really cool surprise," Ruby said.
