American Eagles welcomed by Maori to Rugby WCup

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — A war canoe powered by Maori oarsmen has ferried the United States team along a New Zealand river, welcoming them to the Rugby World Cup.

The American Eagles were first greeted at the Putiki Marae, or meeting place, with a "powhiri" welcoming ceremony and presented with caps commemorating their involvement in the seventh World Cup.

The team was welcomed Sunday to the North Island city of Whanganui by Mayor Annette Main, then conveyed a short distance down the Whanganui River.

The Americans had originally declined to travel on the war canoes, citing safety concerns, but had a change of heart when it learned its earlier refusal had disappointed local Maori.