England loose forward Maddie Feaunati is looking forward to her team playing Samoa and potentially New Zealand as she takes part in her first Rugby World Cup.
The 23-year-old qualifies for those countries, as well as England.
Playing for the Red Roses was a full circle "dream" for Feaunati, who was born in Leeds where her father - Samoan international Zak Feaunati - was playing at the time.
The family moved to Paraparaumu when Maddie was aged nine.
"For so long the UK was home, and it was always like, 'When are we going home? When are we going back to England?' but then we stayed in New Zealand for so long, both places became home," she said.
"To me growing up as a little girl, it was always the Red Roses."
Maddie and her three sisters took part in a range of activities growing up including football, swimming, netball, athletics, gymnastics, ballet and touch before giving rugby a go.
She picked up rugby during her final year at St Mary's College in Wellington, playing in the Condors Sevens national school tournament alongside New Zealand sevens and Black Ferns flanker Jorja Miller.
"Looking back, it was actually such a big decision for me to make at the time, being so committed to a sport like netball, and I just made it with no hesitation.
"I remember my dad saying, 'Right, you're giving everything to this now' and I was like 'yeah, I'm just going to do it'. Then obviously it's paid off and I'm glad I just went with my gut and didn't even look back," she said.
She also played for Otago Spirit while studying in Dunedin, and for Wellington Pride and Hurricanes Poua.
She moved back to England to join the Exeter Chiefs in 2023, before getting the call up for the Red Roses the following year.
"It's all happening very fast, but I'm very grateful to be here and excited to be here," she told 1News.
"The Red Roses is where I belong and am happy to be."
A rugby-focused whānau
Feaunati said she grew up exposed to rugby, with dad Zak playing for multiple English clubs, but never felt the pressure to join the code.
Zak was also cast as Jonah Lomu in the 2009 Invictus film directed by Clint Eastwood.
"My background on rugby, I guess, it was quite an easy transition for the girls and it was always there for them," he said.
"She picked up the ball and then realised the sport's not bad and then pretty much went from there," Zak said of Maddie's transition to rugby.
Younger sister Zara Feaunati also played for the Exeter Chiefs.
"When they find their passion, it's amazing to see and amazing to watch," mother Cat Feaunati said.
"It's intense though, as a mum, having to take everyone around, especially when you've got Zak in there too so the intensity is quite high because they all want to succeed and they love it and they've absolutely loved every bit of it.”
“It's a parent's dream that it's something you want your kid to achieve and get to," her dad said.
"Back then, we just wanted them to enjoy the game and obviously get used to the game and learn the game and how quickly both of them, most of the girls, fast-tracked in their sport really."
Cat Feaunati said seeing her play in the World Cup and supporting her "is quite overwhelming".
"I don't usually get emotional, but just so proud of her and who knew she would be doing that?
"She's a determined young lady and really resilient and she's worked really hard and it's nice to see it come to fruition."
'An amazing opportunity'
Feaunati said she was on a journey to learn more about her Samoan heritage, and was excited for the Red Roses to play against the island nation this weekend.
Samoa lost 73-0 in their first pool match against Australia and are set to play their biggest opponent yet in the number one ranked Red Roses.
"If I get that opportunity I think it will be super special, not something that we get to do often and I'm like super proud of the Samoan girls being on the world stage, representing such a small island and giving obviously everyone in Samoa someone to look at and strive to be."
Then there's the potential England-New Zealand Rugby World Cup final rematch many fans are hoping for.
"I guess on the day we'll just play who we get to play and wherever it is and whatever stage of the competition... right now we're just taking one game at a time," Feaunati said.
"I just want to keep playing my game... keep being fearless and hopefully inspiring whoever may look up to me... even if it's just one person out there, to just go for it," she said.
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