Trailfinders Women have signed New Zealand international Ruby Tui, a Rugby World Cup winner, on a one-year deal. The Black Ferns wing, 34, joins last season’s Premiership Women’s Rugby finalists, bringing extensive experience to the West London club.
Tui’s move to Trailfinders follows speculation regarding her club future. She recently played her first 15-a-side match in nearly a year for the Barbarians against Wales at Allianz Stadium in June.
A Decorated Career
Tui has achieved significant success across both sevens and 15-a-side rugby. She was a key member of the New Zealand side that secured the Rugby World Cup in 2021, defeating England 34-31 in the final. Her accolades also include Olympic gold and silver medals in the sevens game.
In 2019, Tui was recognised as World Rugby’s women’s sevens player of the year. Her career includes being part of a Black Ferns Sevens squad that dominated the sport, claiming Rugby World Cup Sevens and Olympic Games titles.
Barney Maddison, Trailfinders Women head coach, highlighted Tui’s impact. Maddison stated, “Ruby is one of the most respected figures in the women’s game. Her experience of winning at the very highest level, combined with the energy and leadership she brings off the pitch, will be an enormous asset to the squad as we push on from last season.”
Impact on Premiership Women’s Rugby
Tui’s arrival is seen as a significant boost for the Premiership Women’s Rugby competition, which continues to attract prominent players from around the world. Tui herself expressed enthusiasm for the league, commenting, “I feel like I’ve seen a lot of women’s rugby and it’s the biggest and best women’s comp in the world right now.”
She added, “The whole Trailfinders team have been so welcoming since I got here and watching them all last season had me fizzed about how they’re playing game.”
The club has been active in its recruitment efforts this summer, aiming to become a more consistent presence in the PWR play-offs. Last season, Trailfinders were defeated 52-14 by Saracens in the PWR final at the Twickenham Stoop.
Other recent additions to the West London club include Scotland playmaker Helen Nelson and two-cap England wing Bo Westcombe Evans. Former Harlequins lock Teya Ashworth has also joined after a period in Canada. Additionally, England internationals Abi Burton and Haidee Head, Scotland’s Lisa Thomson, Wales’ Carys Cox, and Ireland full-back Niamh Gallagher have all re-signed with the club for another season.
Tui’s decision to continue her career was influenced by fellow women’s rugby players Portia Woodman-Wickliffe and Meg Jones. Tui confessed that they had a “massive input on making the decision,” noting that she considers Portia Woodman-Wickliffe the greatest rugby player to have played the game and Meg Jones currently the best player in the world.
Tui’s new adventure in England marks a fresh start for one of New Zealand rugby’s most recognisable figures.
Born on 13 December 1991, Tui’s major honours include being a Rugby World Cup winner, Olympic champion, and Rugby World Cup Sevens winner.
Her background includes studying Media and Communications at the University of Canterbury.
Tui’s journey in rugby began as a prop before she transitioned to playing as a wing/outside back.
She has openly discussed overcoming a difficult childhood that involved domestic violence, alcohol, and drugs, with her family spending time in a women’s refuge.
Tui’s heritage is Samoan through her father, and her mother’s family has Scottish and Irish ancestry.
Her arrival is expected to further boost the profile of Premiership Women’s Rugby.
Source: bbc.com
