New Zealand rugby star Ruby Tui signs for Trailfinders

New Zealand rugby international Ruby Tui, 34, has agreed a one-year contract with Trailfinders Women, finalists in last season's Premiership Women's Rugby competition.

Trailfinders head coach Barney Maddison told the club's website that Tui is one of the most respected figures in the women's game. He said her experience of winning at the highest level, combined with her energy and leadership off the pitch, would be a major asset as the squad builds on last season's performance.

A decorated career

Tui was part of the New Zealand side that won the 2021 Rugby World Cup, beating England 34-31 in the final. She also holds Olympic gold and silver medals from sevens rugby and was named World Rugby's women's sevens player of the year in 2019.

Tui said she considers the English women's competition to be the biggest and best in the world at present. She also praised the warm welcome she received from the Trailfinders squad, adding that watching the team play last season had left her excited about their style of rugby.