They may have missed selection for the upcoming Black Ferns test campaign, but the triumphant sevens side weren't exactly sulking over their omission, as they arrived back in Auckland with the World Cup trophy in tow.
In fact, many of the New Zealand women's rugby stars seemed ready to take a break from their hectic schedule over the past six months.
During that time, Black Ferns Sevens have dominated their opponents, winning Commonwealth Games gold, three IRB World Series tournaments and now the World Cup at San Francisco over the weekend.
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Only a slow start to the world series schedule - including a 31-0 drubbing against Australia in the Sydney final and a quarter-final exit at Dubai - denied them a clean sweep of honours this year.
"It's kind of surreal, looking back at it," admitted Kelly Brazier, whose extra-time runaway try clinched gold on the Gold Coast in April.
"We were talking on the plane and it was crazy some of the things that had happened. Looking back, almost everything we said has happened."
But that success has come at a toll that will see many crossover athletes unavailable for a 15-a-side campaign that features home-and-away tests against Australia, an historic match against the United States at Chicago's Soldier Field and two against France.
Notable among the absentees are Brazier, speedster Portia Woodman and sevens skipper Sarah Goss, who were key members of the Black Ferns' triumph at last year's Rugby World Cup.
"There are a few of us that have been all go this season all around the world, so we'll take a break and recuperate away from rugby, before we get back into it," said Brazier.
"We've got an early start to the sevens in October this year, so hopefully we'll be refreshed and raring to go by then."
"That was my call. I've played back to back for the last four or five years and that takes its toll on the body.
"It's been a massive year and I need time to give the mind a bit of a break."
Those sentiments were echoed by Goss, who received the Mark of Excellence award as the tournament's outstanding player at San Francisco. She plans on supporting her 15-a-side sisters from the sidelines.
"It has been busy, but it's been enjoyable," she insisted. "It's been amazing.
"To be able to travel the world playing rugby is a huge honour and the next six weeks are going to be cool as well, spending time with family and friends."
The 2018/19 IRB World Sevens Series begins on October 20/21 at Glendale, Colorado.
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