Sene Naoupo, who has since returned to New Zealand, scores a try in a rugby match against Scotland while representing Ireland in 2020. Photo / SuppliedAfter an "incredibly difficult" journey home to Oamaru from Covid-19-ravaged Ireland, a rugby international is telling New Zealanders not to take the country's position for granted. For the past few years, Sene Naoupu has been busy in Ireland as vice-captain of the national women's team and representing Leinster Rugby, but recently made a "challenging" trip back to New Zealand to visit family. Originally scheduled to compete in the Rugby World Cup qualifiers in December 2020, Naoupu (36) jumped at the opportunity to return home when the games were postponed until December 2021. With the help of her brother in Christchurch and two sisters in Oamaru, Naoupu scoured bookings for cancellations and spaces to become available.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 05, 2021 18:45 UTC