Black Ferns prop Tanya Kalounivale joins Australian Super Rugby side

Black Ferns prop Tanya Kalounivale has made the move across the ditch for the upcoming Super Rugby Women’s season, with the Queensland Reds announcing the marquee signing ahead of a trial against the ACT Brumbies.

Kalounivale has represented New Zealand at two Rugby World Cups, including last year’s record-breaking tournament in England. The 27-year-old made a handful of appearances at the event, featuring in the starting lineup on multiple occasions.

Ahead of a blockbuster semi-final against Canada at Bristol’s Ashton Gate, Black Ferns coach Allan Bunting named Kalounivale at tighthead prop. Kalounivale scored one try against Canada before backing up with a 41-minute shift against France in the third-place playoff.

The Reds confirmed earlier this week that 45-Test Wallaroos prop Eva Karpani had signed on for the 2026 season. Karpani has been selected in the run-on side for the pre-season showdown with the Brumbies, forming a one-two punch with Kalounivale, who will come off the bench.

“The Reds have talked about winning Super Rugby Women’s for a long time so it’s great to have a player in our midst like Tanya who has experienced winning at the highest level at a World Cup,” coach Andrew Fraser said.

“There is a presence and calmness she brings with the experience she has gained in two World Cup campaigns and the Tests she has played.

“She is a wonderful person to go with it and she resonates with the women in our squad. You see that already.

“To have two world-class tighthead props in our program with Tanya and Eva is something we will use to full effect.”

Kalounivale adds invaluable experience to the Reds roster, with the club labelling this news as “the biggest signing of the 2026” season in a press release. The Fiji-born talent has represented the Black Ferns 29 times, since debuting against the Wallaroos in 2022.

New Zealand stunned England to win the Women’s Rugby World Cup on home soil later that year, with Kalounivale featuring in the squad. Kalounivale donned the black jersey in two matches, facing Wales and Scotland during the 2022 tournament.

Kalounivale played for New Zealand during the team’s successful Pacific Four Series campaign, taking out the title with an unbeaten 3-0 record. The Black Fern has revealed she has been considering a move since her mother, Ana, relocated to Brisbane.

“I’m excited to be in Brisbane and for what’s ahead with new teammates and learning a different style of rugby,” Kalounivale said.

“I know I always play my best when close to family and that’s the main reason for me moving to Brisbane.

“I love the Black Ferns. My family and I were given a huge opportunity to live in NZ when we left Fiji. This is not a decision made lightly.

“I’ve been thinking of the move since before the World Cup and I now get to be in Brisbane around family.

“I want to play strongly for the Reds and there’s also a good chance to explore some personal development outside of rugby as well.”