1
Black Fern Ruby Tui makes decision on her future after weighing up 'mighty' NRLW offer
By Ben Smith
Black Fern and World Cup hero Ruby Tui has made a decision on her playing future after taking a break since last November's World Cup victory.
Tui didn't feature in this year's Super Rugby Aupiki or link back up with the Black Ferns Sevens team like many of her World Cup-winning teammates, instead turning to commentary while she weighed up her future.
The 31-year-old joined Sky Sport NZ's The Breakdown to announce a new two-year deal with NZR which includes a sabbatical which will be taken immediately.
“It’s a massive day for me and my family,” she told Sky Sport’s The Breakdown.
“I’m really happy and I couldn’t have done it without New Zealand coming out and supporting women’s rugby.
“There’s been offers and it took me ages to sit there and think about what makes me happy.
"Me and NZR were going back and forth for a long time and in the end, thank goodness, we came to a space we agreed on."
Following last year's magical World Cup run she was approached by many, even for a code switch with the NRLW, which she revealed was a very tempting offer.
“Do I go to the UK, do I go to Asia, Japan, China? I had some massive opportunities. I'll be honest, NRLW sent through a contract that looked mighty, mighty fine.”
Tui's signature comes with the news that New Zealand will host the new WXV tournament later this year with powerhouses England and France.
England captured a Grand Slam Six Nations title over France in front of a record crowd at Twickenham over the weekend.
The top six women's teams will compete in the WXV which will give the World Champion Black Ferns the chance to play the very best.
"The top three Six Nations teams are coming down and we’re going to play in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland, right here in Aotearoa," Tui told The Breakdown.
"That’s huge. That’s never happened before.
"Imagine the top six nations coming over to tour just for the All Blacks. It’s a really, really exciting part of our game.”
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Why World Cup winner doesn’t blame All Black for leaving New Zealand
3
Tyrone Green decision has huge bearing on his international future
4
Five legends to be inducted into World Rugby Hall of Fame
5
Latest Comments
Agreed. As a Saffa I have much respect for the ABs. I also have to say given any option I would ONLY prefer to lose to ABs. To lose to England is probably the most embarrassing think to happen to either of us.
There was a time when both of us lost to England and we both hated it. Thankfully those days are behind us. Kudos to you guys, kudos to ABs. But dear old BS seems to hate us Boks. No idea why.
Go to commentsI got the sense that holding him to it was kickback from SB and the rfu smarting at being jilted quite so soon, so unexpectedly and so publicly.
Seem to remember that they spoke to Gustard before appointing Joe and you really have to think he would have come in at a higher level?
Go to comments