Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
NZ NZ

‘The face of rugby’: Why Ruby Tui’s new contract is such a big deal

By Finn Morton
(Photo by Hannah Peters - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

Black Ferns winger Ruby Tui stole the show during last year’s momentous Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, but her future in the sport remained a mystery.

ADVERTISEMENT

Well, until earlier this week.

Tui didn’t play in Super Rugby Aupiki, or return to the Sevens World Series alongside World Cup winning teammates Stacey Waaka, Sarah Hirini, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe and Theresa Fitzpatrick.

Instead, the Olympic gold medallist joined the Sky Sport commentary team for Super Rugby Aupiki, and she also sat behind the mic on the World Series – at events including an historic Hong Kong tournament.

Video Spacer

Video Spacer

But the “face of rugby in New Zealand” ended any speculation by signing a two-year contract extension with New Zealand Rugby a couple of days ago.

As seen on her social media channels, Tui put pen to paper – well, signed an electric contract on her phone – committed to a new deal which included an immediate sabbatical.

Tui, who was named one of World Rugby’s Breakout Players of the Year in 2022, knocked back a “mighty fine” NRLW offer to stay in rugby union.

Reflecting on the significance of the deal, New Zealand rugby scribe Jamie Wall described Tui as “the most recognisable rugby player going around.”

ADVERTISEMENT

“I’d say she’s probably the face of rugby in New Zealand rugby right now,” Wall said on SENZ Mornings.

“I would say she’s the most recognisable rugby player going around because of the way that she’s managed to leverage her fame.

“She’s a very smart operator and a smart cookie and someone with very natural charisma that deserves that sort of spotlight that she’s getting.”

In another post on her Instagram, Tui said “it certainly wasn’t easy” to re-sign with New Zealand Rugby.

ADVERTISEMENT

The World Cup winner questioned whether she would even return to the sport.

But after taking the time to weigh up her options, Tui added that she was “really proud” to have commit her future to the Black Ferns.

Echoing Jamie Wall’s comments, Newshub journalist James Regan agreed that Tui might be “the fact of rugby in this country at the moment.”

“When you’re looking to grow the women’s game and continue to keep hold of someone of that momentum that the Black Ferns gathered last year, and Ruby Tui was obviously an immense part of that,” Regan said.

“For girls and women playing rugby to have someone like Ruby to look up to is massive for New Zealand Rugby.

“(She is) obviously an asset to the Black Ferns as well. I’m not sure how many years she’s got but she’s been a pro for such a long time now and she’s done it all in the game.

Related

“To have her for the next couple of years and to be able to market her and get her involved in the communities and particularly for young girls as well is huge.

“(She is) definitely one of, if not the face of rugby in this country at the moment which is awesome.

“At a time when we really want to grow the women’s game and we want to get Super Rugby Aupiki kicking on and we want to have all of these things, you need someone whos’ kind of leading the charge and who’s the face of it all.

“Rugby Tui… there’s no one better than her to do that.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Join free

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | Episode 6

Sam Warburton | The Big Jim Show | Full Episode

Japan Rugby League One | Sungoliath v Eagles | Full Match Replay

Japan Rugby League One | Spears v Wild Knights | Full Match Replay

Boks Office | Episode 10 | Six Nations Final Round Review

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | How can New Zealand rugby beat this Ireland team

Beyond 80 | Episode 5

Rugby Europe Men's Championship Final | Georgia v Portugal | Full Match Replay

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

B
Bull Shark 38 minutes ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

27 Go to comments
TRENDING
TRENDING Super Rugby takes: All Blacks' next enforcer, New Zealand's goal kicking woes Super Rugby takes: All Blacks' next enforcer
Search