Women’s rugby superstar Ruby Tui is set to make her long-awaited international return after being named as the first confirmed player in the Barbarian F.C women’s squad to face Wales this summer.
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. The Black Ferns icon will line up for the famous invitational side at Allianz Stadium on June 27 as part of a blockbuster double-header that will also see the Barbarians men take on Wales in London.
A Rugby World Cup winner, Olympic gold medallist and one of the most recognisable personalities in the sport, Tui adds another remarkable chapter to her glittering career by pulling on the famous black-and-white jersey for the first time.
The 34-year-old has not featured in an international fixture since scoring twice for the Black Ferns XV against the Black Ferns in a trial match last August, but now returns to the spotlight in one of the standout fixtures of the summer calendar.
“Very few people get to wear this jersey in the world,” Tui said.
“Obviously done a lot in my career, but I’ve been talking to a couple of mentors of mine, and they said if you ever get the chance to wear the Baa-Baas jersey, you got to take it.
“Takes a lot of courage to leave your home nations and join up with some others.”
Former Exeter Chiefs head coach Susie Appleby will lead the women’s Barbarians side, with current Red Roses defence coach Sarah Hunter named as assistant coach for the highly anticipated clash.
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5 QUICK FACTS: RUBY TUI
1. Olympic gold medallist: Tui was part of the New Zealand women’s sevens team that won gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, adding to her earlier silver medal from Rio 2016. 2. Rugby World Cup winner: She helped the New Zealand women's national rugby union team win the 2021 Rugby World Cup, becoming one of the tournament’s breakout personalities.
3. Social media star: Tui gained global attention during the World Cup for her energetic interviews and fan interactions, with clips of her media appearances going viral online.
4. Late introduction to rugby: She did not begin playing rugby seriously until her late teens, having previously focused on athletics and touch rugby.
5. Author and motivational speaker: Off the field, Tui released her memoir Straight Up, detailing her journey through hardship, homelessness and elite sport.
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