Ruby Tui set for fresh start in England with new club confirmed

Tuesday, 18 August 2026 at 23:18

bySteven Smith

Black Ferns superstar Ruby Tui is set for a fresh start in England, with her new club expected to be officially confirmed tomorrow.

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The hugely popular New Zealand international is heading to Premiership Women’s Rugby for the next chapter of her career, signing with last year's runner up Trailfinders. .

Tui, 34, has established herself as one of the biggest personalities in the women’s game, enjoying enormous success across both sevens and XVs.

The move represents a significant coup for the English competition, which continues to attract some of the leading names in world rugby.

Rugby superstar

The charismatic back has enjoyed a remarkable career, becoming a household name in New Zealand through her performances and personality.

Tui helped New Zealand claim Olympic Sevens gold at Tokyo 2020 before playing a key role in the Black Ferns’ memorable Rugby World Cup triumph on home soil in 2022.

She has also developed a huge following away from rugby, becoming one of the sport’s most recognisable figures.

Her arrival will therefore be another major boost for Premiership Women’s Rugby.

Tui’s destination has yet to be officially revealed, but that is expected to change tomorrow when her new English club is announced.

For one of New Zealand rugby’s most popular stars, a new adventure in England is about to begin.

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Ruby Tui

Born: 13 December 1991
Nationality: New Zealand
Position: Wing / outside back
International teams: New Zealand & New Zealand Sevens
Major honours: Rugby World Cup winner, Olympic champion, Rugby World Cup Sevens winner

Ruby Tui is one of the most recognisable figures in women's rugby, combining an extraordinary trophy haul with a personality that has made her a fan favourite around the world.

With the Black Ferns star now set for a fresh start in England, here are five interesting facts about Tui.

1. She started her rugby career as a prop

It seems almost impossible given the explosive outside back she became, but Tui's rugby journey began in the front row.

After moving to Christchurch and taking up rugby while studying, she initially played as a prop before eventually finding her home in the backs.

2. She studied media and communications

Tui studied Media and Communications at the University of Canterbury, a background that perhaps helps explain why she has always appeared so comfortable behind a microphone.

She has since built an impressive reputation in broadcasting and punditry alongside her rugby career.

3. She has Olympic gold AND silver medals

Tui was a major part of the rise of New Zealand women's sevens.

She won silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics before going one better at Tokyo 2020, helping the Black Ferns Sevens defeat France to claim Olympic gold.

4. She overcame an incredibly difficult childhood

Behind Tui's infectious personality is an inspirational story.

She has spoken openly about experiencing a difficult childhood involving domestic violence, alcohol and drugs, with her family spending time in a women's refuge.

Tui has subsequently used her platform to speak about those experiences and offer hope to young people growing up in similarly challenging circumstances.

5. She's won almost everything there is to win

Tui's trophy cabinet is seriously impressive.

She has won the Olympic Games, Rugby World Cup Sevens and the 15-a-side Rugby World Cup.

Her crowning moment in the traditional format came at Eden Park in 2022, when New Zealand defeated England 34-31 in a thrilling World Cup final.

DID YOU KNOW?

Tui is of Samoan heritage through her father, while her mother's family has Scottish and Irish ancestry.

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