Another Paris Olympics gold medallist signs with Warriors in NRLW

Black Ferns Sevens great Michaela Blyde isn’t the only Paris Olympic gold medallist joining the New Zealand Warriors with the club announcing on Thursday another four signings ahead of next year’s NRLW campaign. HSBC SVNS Series star Tysha Ikenasio is among that quartet.

Two days after Blyde’s headline-grabbing decision to sign with the ‘Wahs’ was announced, it’s been revealed that Ikenasio has also decided to switch codes. Payton Takimoana, Kalyn Takitimu-Cook and Makayla Eli have also signed with the NRLW expansion side.

Ikenasio, 27, played five seasons of rugby sevens in Japan before returning home to New Zealand where the talented athlete lined up for rugby league side Richmond Roses in the Auckland premiership before debuting on the SVNS Series in 2022.

As the Black Ferns Sevens battled it out against other world-class teams at some exciting destinations around the world, Ikenasio often played a role as a regular squad member. Ikenasio was included in Team New Zealand’s squad for this year’s Paris Olympics.

New Zealand got the better of a valiant Canada side in the gold medal match to secure their spot on the top of the Olympic podium at Stade de France. With the versatility to cover both centre and fullback in NRLW, the Warriors expect Ikenasio to make an impact in 2025.

“Tysha has a wonderful story, her career being built on resilience in taking the long route to becoming a Black Ferns Sevens play,” Warriors NRLW head coach Ronald Griffiths said.

“Included in her journey has been a stint in Japan, playing rugby league in Auckland and going through the enrolment process for the New Zealand Police before her opportunity finally came to join the sevens programme.

“Although she speaks with ultimate pride about her time in rugby, it has been evident in working our way through the process to sign her how committed and ready she is for the next chapter in her life.

“Tysha exudes a club and team-first mentality. This coupled with her resilience and drive will no doubt see her have an immediate impact for the One New Zealand Warriors. We’re thrilled to have her on board.”

Ikenasio joins Blyde at the Wahs, with the SVNS Series legend having been announced as a marquee recruit for the club earlier in the week. Blyde has enjoyed a legendary career in rugby union, with the New Zealand recently recognised as a nominee for Sevens Player of the Year.

Blyde has taken home World Rugby’s prestigious individual honour on two occasions, and with two Olympic gold medals as well, it’s not hard to see why the 28-year-old is regarded as one of the greatest athletes in the history of women’s rugby sevens.

With Ikenasio joining Blude at the Warriors next season, the NRLW side have the makings of a star-studded roster that will pique the interest of sports fans in New Zealand. Ikenasio is looking forward to the opportunity ahead in rugby league with the Warriors.

“Honestly I’ve been watching the NRLW from afar for years. I’ve had mates who have played in it, had teammates who have made the switch to league and honestly been in awe of all the talent that has been shown,” Ikenasio explained.

“I actually had a season of league in Auckland after I returned home from being in Japan for five years playing sevens. I got to play for the Richmond Roses alongside some really amazing players like Laishon Albert-Jones and Charlotte Scanlan with coach Tash Davie.

“When Ron reached out to me I couldn’t believe it. I was nervous for the first phone call but it was instantly effortless. He hadn’t asked me one thing about league or sport, it was all about me as a person, my family, where I grew up and I knew from then that he was a genuine, good human being.

“… I know I have a lot to learn in league and I’m excited to learn alongside some really experienced players. I’m just thankful that Ron has given me this opportunity and I’m excited for not only next year but the next three years.”

Of the three other players that have signed with the club, 21-year-old Takimoana is one to watch after committing to the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Takimoana is in the Hurricanes Poua squad for next year’s Super Rugby Aupiki season.

Takimoana has scored 14 tries in 20 Farah Palmer Cup matches for Bay of Plenty.

Takitimu-Cook has played Farah Palmer for Manawatu Cyclones, Bay of Plenty Volcanix, and has played a few matches for Hurricanes Poua at Super Rugby level. The other signing, Eli, is a rugby union-league double international.

“After watching Payton’s highlights and her innate ability to turn up in the right spot in attack, it was evident she can sense the big moment in a game,” Griffiths added.

“However, it was her efforts in defence, the numerous times that she chased back to save tries, that she really caught our attention and, as well as this, her aggressive nature in defence was impressive.

“After meeting her family, we knew Payton would be a fantastic addition to the Warriors whanau. She’s someone who will be exciting to watch when the opportunity arises for her debut.”