Ruby Tui’s club future revealed after fortnight of social media clues

Speculation around Ruby Tui‘s club future has been put to rest after she signed for JAECOO Premiership Women’s Rugby runners-up Trailfinders Women.

Across the past two weeks the Black Ferns wing and Rugby World Cup 2021 winner teased that her time on a rugby pitch may not have been over on her social media channels.

In June the 34-year-old played her first game of 15-a-side rugby in almost a year for the Barbarians against Wales at Allianz Stadium.

In an exclusive interview with The Telegraph, Tui confessed that it took some persuading from some women’s rugby greats to convince her not to hang up her boots: “My friends Portia Woodman-Wickliffe and Meg Jones helped me, [they] really had a massive input on making the decision.

“They probably don’t know that, but I wanted to reference them in the videos on purpose because I think Portia is the greatest rugby player that has ever played the game and Meg is currently the best player in the world so two people to listen to.”

Tui brings a wealth of experience to Trailfinders. For the early part of her early playing career she was part of a Black Ferns Sevens squad that dominated the world of rugby and also claimed Rugby World Cup Sevens and Olympic Games titles.

Already this summer Barney Maddison’s Trailfinders have made a splash with their recruitment as they look to become a more regular fixture in the PWR play-offs. Last season Trailfinders were beaten 52-14 by Saracens in the PWR final at the Twickenham Stoop.

Scotland playmaker Helen Nelson and two-cap England wing Bo Westcombe Evans have each committed their futures to the West London club, while former Harlequins lock Teya Ashworth has also joined after a stint in Canada.

England internationals Abi Burton and Haidee Head, Scotland’s Lisa Thomson, Wales’ Carys Cox and Ireland full-back Niamh Gallagher have all re-signed with the club for another season too.

Barney Maddison, Trailfinders Women head coach, said: “Ruby is one of the most respected figures in the women’s game. Her experience of winning at the very highest level, combined with the energy and leadership she brings off the pitch, will be an enormous asset to the squad as we push on from last season. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the club.”