Bristol Bears confirm signing of ‘genuinely world class’ Ruahei Demant

Bristol Bears have confirmed the signing of former World Rugby Women’s 15s player of the Year, Ruahei Demant.

The 2021 Rugby World Cup winning co-captain of the Black Ferns will join the Premiership Women’s Rugby club at the end of November on a four-month contract.

Her deal will run for the remainder of the PWR season and allow the 30-year-old playmaker to link up with the Black Ferns in April 2026 for the Pacific Four Series.

Demant is one of just three players to have won 50 caps for her country and has scored 130 points since her 2018 debut.

Capable of playing at both fly-half and centre, her addition will not only provide quality to the Bristol squad but cover after injuries sustained by long-serving duo Phoebe Murray and Meryl Smith.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Ruahei Demant to the Bears family,” Scott Lawson, Bristol Bears head coach, said.

“Ruahei is a genuinely world-class player – her vision, leadership and ability to influence games at the highest level set her apart and we can’t wait to welcome her into our group later this month.

“You don’t become World Player of the Year without being something truly special, and her experience with the Black Ferns will bring immense value to our environment both on and off the pitch.

“She brings not just quality and composure in the backline, but also the kind of presence and professionalism that lifts everyone around her. We’re excited to see the impact she’ll have in a Bears shirt.”

After the first four rounds of the new PWR campaign Bristol sit eighth in the league table after back-to-back losses against Saracens and Exeter Chiefs.

The impending arrival of 30-year-old Demant can certainly offer a boost to Bears, who still have plenty of time to recover and stake their claim for a top four spot in the league.

Most recently Demant helped New Zealand to a third-place finish at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England.

Three years on from her Player of the Match performance against England’s Red Roses in the 2021 Rugby World Cup final, she scored a try against France in the bronze medal match at Allianz Stadium.

It was a disappointing campaign for the six-time world champions, who crashed out at the semi-final stage with defeat to Canada and have since seen Allan Bunting move on from his role as Director of Performance.

She is the second star signing Bristol have made in the past 12 months and follows hot on the heels of Ilona Maher in calling the West Country home on a short-term basis.

Demant will arrive in the West Country ahead of her new club’s clash with three-time champions, Gloucester Hartpury on Sunday 30 November.

“I’m so excited to have the opportunity to represent Bristol Bears in a world leading competition like the PWR,” Demant said.

“I can’t wait to meet the girls, the management and the fans all while growing as a person and a player. I’m extremely grateful New Zealand Rugby have allowed me to explore this opportunity and will return refreshed and ready for PAC4 in April!”