Black Ferns Ruahei Demant. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Black Ferns co-captain Ruahei Demant is heading to Britain to help develop her game.
Demant will play for the Bristol Bears on a four month deal starting later this month.
A former World Player of the Year, Demant is one of just three players to have won 50 caps for the Black Ferns
Bristol head coach Scott Lawson said Ruahei was 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.
Lawson said Demant's arrival would help ease a number of injuries they were dealing with.
The 30-year-old heads to Britain with the full blessing of New Zealand Rugby.
"This is a great development opportunity for Ruahei to spend time in a different environment and experience a different competition and style of play," NZR Head of Women's High Performance Hannah Porter said.
"We believe it will be highly beneficial to her both as a player and person and look forward to seeing those benefits when she returns to New Zealand for international duty with the Black Ferns in April's Pacific Four tournament, and the upcoming Super Rugby Aupiki season in June."
Demant was named World Player of the Year in 2022 after helping the Black Ferns to the 2021 World Cup title.
She was a part of the side that finished third at this year's World Cup in Britain.
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