Kiwi Fern winger Autumn-Rain Stephens-Daly is returning to rugby to play for the Hurricanes Poua in next year's Super Rugby Aupiki.
Autumn-Rain Stephens-Daly playing in the Rugby League World Cup final against Australia Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Stephens-Daly played in last month's Rugby League World Cup final against Australia in Manchester.
The 26 year old is one of three signings the Hurricanes have made to complete their roster with Black Ferns Sevens player Shakira Baker and Manawatū front rower Sosoli Talawadua the other two.
Stephens-Daly switched to rugby league in 2020 and made her Kiwi Ferns debut against Fetu Samoa.
Joining NRLW club Newcastle Knights ahead of the delayed 2021 premiership Stephens-Daly impressed, covering several positions and playing eight of the Knights' 12 games during the two NRLW competitions in 2022.
Rotorua-born Stephens-Daly represented the Māori All Stars at the start of the year, scoring both of Māori All Stars' tries in their 18-8 loss to Indigenous All Stars in the 2022 pre-season.
On her return to rugby and joining the Poua, Stephens-Daly said she was excited at the opportunity.
"I wasn't planning on getting into Super Rugby so soon, but when Tors [Poua coach Victoria Grant] called, I jumped at the opportunity.
"It's special in that my dad's family come from the Hurricanes area, so I'm excited to get into the yellow jersey. I know I am going to be around some amazing players, and the opportunity to learn from Tors [Victoria Grant] is something I'm really excited about," said Stephens-Daly.
Grant said: "Autumn has just come off the back of a great year of league with the Newcastle Knights, who won the NRLW, and Rugby League World Cup as part of the Kiwi Ferns squad.
"She's an elusive outside back with great agility and speed. She is an amazing finisher, so we're pleased to have her join the side," said Grant.
Shakira Baker playing for the Black Ferns Sevens Photo: PHOTOSPORT
2017 World Cup winning Black Fern, Sosoli Talawadua links up with the Poua off the back of a Farah Palmer Cup campaign with the Manawatū Cyclones.
After making her maiden international appearance in 2016, Talawadua was selected for the 2017 Rugby World Cup squad. Hailing from Whanganui, she is currently Whanganui Rugby's women's and secondary school rugby development officer.
14 years after her Farah Palmer Cup debut for Wellington, Shakira Baker makes a return to the Capital.
Since debuting for the Black Ferns Sevens in 2011, the former maths teacher quickly established herself as one of the premier sevens players in the world, combining her sevens and 15s experience on the international stage for the past 12 years.
Super Rugby Aupiki kicks off Saturday 25 February, with the Hurricanes Poua taking on the Chiefs Manawa in the competition opener at Levin Domain.
