Olympic Gold Medalist Ruby Tui Joins Ealing Rugby Club

One of women's rugby's brightest stars is heading to West London, and she couldn't be more excited about it.

Ruby Tui, the New Zealand international who's won just about everything in rugby, signed with Ealing's Trailfinders Women for the upcoming Premiership Women's Rugby season. At 34, she's bringing a trophy cabinet that includes Olympic gold, a World Cup title, and individual player of the year honors.

Tui's journey to Ealing started on the sevens circuit, where she captured silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics before claiming gold in Tokyo 2020. In 2019, World Rugby named her the Women's Sevens Player of the Year, recognizing her as the sport's best.

But she wasn't done collecting hardware. Tui transitioned to the 15-a-side game and helped the Black Ferns win the 2021 Rugby World Cup, scoring a try in New Zealand's thrilling 34-31 victory over England in the final.

Now she's chosen Trailfinders, calling it "the biggest and best women's comp in the world right now." Her decision speaks volumes about where women's rugby is heading. The Premiership Women's Rugby league is attracting top talent from around the globe, and players are taking notice.

Why This Inspires

Tui's move represents something bigger than one player changing teams. It shows how women's sports are becoming truly global, with the best athletes seeking out the best competitions regardless of where they were born.

Trailfinders director of rugby Barney Maddison called Tui "one of the most respected figures in the women's game," and her arrival gives the club a boost as they aim to go one step further after last season's finals appearance. For young players at the club, training alongside an Olympic champion provides invaluable experience.

The timing couldn't be better for women's rugby, with investment and visibility growing across the sport. When legends like Tui choose to play in England, it raises the profile of the entire league.

Tui's enthusiasm is infectious, and Trailfinders fans have every reason to share it.