Kiwi women’s rugby star Ruby Tui signs magazine with her photo on the cover

Rising Kiwi international rugby star Ruby Tui has cheekily signed copies of a magazine with her own face on the cover in New Zealand news agencies.

The Black Ferns winger posted a video of her signing the magazines on Twitter with the caption: ‘I’ve just been signing these in shops randomly is that legal?’

Tui was part of the Black Ferns squad that won the Rugby World Cup this year and she has also earned 12 caps for the national sevens team.

Her rationale for signing the magazines was simple, she hoped it would mean they would sell more copies. 

‘You know, they say apparently if there is a woman on the cover of a rugby magazine, that the magazine won’t sell,’ she said.

‘So if you are looking for a last-minute gift or you just want to be a good sort and support a good cause, make sure you go and grab a Rugby Magazine with a woman’s rugby player on the front.

‘And hey, if you’re lucky, you might even get a signed one.’

Most of the comments on the post were overwhelmingly positive. 

‘Well that is a really awesome thing to do Ruby,’ one fan said.

‘Makes the magazine all the better. Collectors item. Well done Rubes, always thinking ahead,’ posted another.

‘Haha you always make me smile. You can tell you have a good soul it just shines through,’ added another.

Tui acknowledges the crowd during a New Zealand Black Ferns ‘Thank You Aotearoa’ Tour Parliamentary Reception at Parliament House

Tui is tackled by Kennedy Simon and Stacey Fluhler during the New Zealand 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup final match between New Zealand and England at Eden Park

Unfortunately a handful of trolls criticised Tui for not asking shopkeepers for permission, saying nobody watches women’s rugby and other cruel comments.

However Tui’s actions have silenced those critics, with the magazine selling out in news agencies across New Zealand as fans try to secure a signed copy. 

‘Been trying to get your book for Chrissy koha and it’s sold out everywhere,’ one fan posted.

‘I’ve driven all over the North Shore today to get your book for my Dad and finally found a copy in a little bookshop in Mairangi Bay,’ said another.