Black Ferns star encouraging youth to follow their dreams

The Black Ferns are doubling down on the gas pedal after their overwhelming victory against the United States Eagles last weekend, World Cup winner and Olympic Gold medallist Ruby Tui says.

New Zealand dominated the US 57-5 in the Pacific Four Series opener at Hamilton's FMG Stadium Waikato, and Tui says it's a good start for the Kiwis' campaign.

The outside back adds the Ferns are in camp, training and plotting new strategies and combinations.

Watch Ruby Tui's interview below.

"We just had a three-week physical camp with our new trainer which we were all very excited about," Tui says.

"[It's] just a wonderful feeling to finally get to play and try a couple of things out.

"We've got new combos and we've got our next World Cup next year in England, at one of the biggest rugby stadiums in the world. So, we're really honing in, dialing in."

Tui says a major part of her success and ability to contribute to her team's success, which she has spoken about every day in the past, lies within her roots.

She says her journey so far in Aotearoa started years ago when her grandfather, who is from Sāmoa's Vailoa Village in the Palauli district, took his wife and Tui's father, Kovati Tui, to New Zealand.

Kovati had not turned 10 years old yet at the time.

"They just wanted to have a great life for the likes of myself and all my cousins.

"Growing up I didn't realise the values that are embedded in the Sāmoan culture.

The Black Ferns face Canada in Christchurch this week.

"Humility is a really big one in my family. Just little things like respecting our elders, and manners like serving others first fit perfectly into our team's culture."

Tui says Black Ferns' coach Allan Bunting encourages the players to put the team first, which Tui says fits well considering the side is made up of Pacific people who share similar communal values.

"We already try and live that all the time, respecting our coach, respecting our players and always putting the team first because we know how valuable this opportunity can be for our family."

For Pacific youth aspiring to pursue a sports career, Tui says "there's not much that can hold you back" when a person's heart is set on their dreams.

"If you are really open with your family and you explain what you're trying to do, that it's trying to make them proud, they will support you.

"One day they'll see it, they'll see it in the pictures and they'll be so proud.

"So, yeah all the hard work and sacrifices are absolutely worth it and in the end, it all comes back around and it's all for family."

The Blacks Ferns take on Canada on Sunday 19 May, 4.35pm, at Orangetheory Stadium in Christchurch.

The Kiwis face rivals Australia on 25 May, 2.05pm, at North Harbour Stadium.