Rugby World Cup: Black Ferns to be celebrated at Parliament after Eden Park triumph

The Black Ferns will be celebrated at Parliament after their historic Rugby World Cup triumph over England at Eden Park.

NZ Sports Minister Grant Robertson confirmed the event will take place on the premise's lawn on December 13, with the Government partnering with Wellington City Council and NZ Rugby.

"The Black Ferns' triumph at Eden Park is one of New Zealand's greatest sporting moments," he said in a statement on Monday.

"They are extraordinary athletes, exceptional people and proud New Zealanders. We are so proud of these women, helping to pave the way for women's sport in Aotearoa, proving yet again that women's sport is out on top.

"Women's rugby has never been so strong in New Zealand, and over 40,000 sold-out seats for the final at Eden Park attests to that.

"This will be an opportunity for New Zealanders to meet, mingle and celebrate with our World Cup winning Black Ferns.

"The whole country was behind the team as they fought their way to the top of world rugby, now we have the chance to show them again how proud we are of them."

It comes after Black Ferns captain Ruahei Demant was named the Women's 15s Player of the Year at the World Rugby Awards at Monaco.

Fan favourite Ruby Tui claimed the Breakthrough Women's 15s Player of the Year, with coach Wayne Smith named Coach of the Year.

Former Black Ferns captain and current NZ Rugby board member Dr Farah Palmer was also recognised for her contribution to the women's game.

"Unexpected," Demant said after receiving the award.

"For me to be here tonight with so many of my teammates... we've never done this before, so we're having a lot of fun tonight. 

"Like most of us in our team and many rugby players in New Zealand, I come from a very small place and to put on a black jersey was always a dream. I never knew about the Black Ferns growing up as a kid and like most other women my age now, women's rugby was never accessible or something you aspired to. 

"One of the great things about this World Cup was it was free to air, so everyone could watch. People could turn on the telly or go to the games, and see people that looked like them... so many strong women out there doing incredible things."