British Singer songwriter Rita Ora performs next weekend in Eden Park Auckland at the Rugby World Cup - celebrating women's rugby.
Photo: VALERIE MACON / AFP
She was the first British female solo artist to have 13 top 10 songs in the UK charts. She has sung alongside Cardi B, Charli XCX and David Guetta, and gone on the road with Coldplay and Drake for international tours.
Rita said she was pleased to be lending her voice to the event.
"I'm an advocate for women, so for me to bring any attention to world cup women's rugby is amazing, especially with how successful the women's Euro world cup football was this year."
"I really wanted to show my support again for women's sports, and highlighting that - instead of it feeling, in my opinion like it's fighting for gender rights - I think the important thing to remember is it's just as important.
"I think shining a light on this will eventually make it the norm, just like how people go to watch the male rugby. I do believe that there is a huge space for the women to follow suit - if they're not doing that already."
Rita's partner is New Zealander and international director Taika Waititi.
She said she followed football, but had a lot to learn about rugby.
"I have so many friends in New Zealand, so everybody is giving me great information about the rugby.
"It's going to be such an incredible night, the energy's going to be booming, we've got teams from around the world.
The entertainment has arrived...@RitaOra #RWC2021 is going to be pic.twitter.com/4Q9uqHoJW7
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 7, 2022
"I want to meet as many people as I can - I'm in New Zealand and it's amazing to really get my fingernails into the culture and in the breath of it all - I'm excited to do as much as I can."
During this trip Rita has already posted Instagram pictures of her shopping stop at Auckland designers Deadly Ponies, and she said she was also looking forward to working with other New Zealand creatives.
"I was trying to use many locals as possible - dancers, choreographers, stylists, make-up artists, hair stylists, I'm excited to do as much as I can."
Rita was born in eastern Europe, and said she was excited to have the chance to see more of New Zealand.
"I'm very excited to explore this part of the world. It's just the beginning - I'm excited to learn about New Zealand and Māori culture."
This year Rita had already announced a new deal with music label BMG, and she promised a new album will be coming out next year.
