Two-time World Cup-winning Black Fern Cheryl Waaka dies aged 56

The Northland rugby great broke coaching barriers and championed the women’s game.

By Ben Francis · NZ Herald

Published: Sunday, 11 October 2026 at 7:20 AM

Key Things to Know

Two-time Rugby World Cup winner Cheryl Waaka has died at age 56 following a battle with bowel cancer.
Waaka earned 20 caps for the Black Ferns between 1997 and 2004, winning World Cups in 1998 and 2002.
She scored a try against England in the 2002 final as New Zealand defended their title with a 19-9 victory.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former New Zealand rugby international Cheryl Waaka has passed away at the age of 56 following a battle with stage 4 bowel cancer. The loose forward earned 20 caps for the Black Ferns between 1997 and 2004, lifting the Rugby World Cup in 1998 and 2002, which included scoring a try against England in the 2002 final.

Waaka made history off the pitch as well, becoming the first woman to coach a Northland senior men's club team at Kaikohe in 2005. She was named a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2023.

Read the full article on NZ Herald

Two-time World Cup-winning Black Fern Cheryl Waaka dies aged 56

More Rugby News

Never Miss a Sports Update