Former Black Ferns lock Charmaine Smith has come out of retirement to join the Blues' Super Rugby Aupiki campaign.
Smith, 31, stepped away from rugby two years ago, when she was diagnosed with a serious neck condition that affected her spine.
But after giving birth last year, a further scan showed the affliction had cleared up, enabling her to return to full training.
"I never thought this would be the outcome for me and I always had hoped that my injury was not the end," she says.
"A week after giving birth, I had a progress scan, and was amazed and relieved that I was completely clear. I am fully fit and have no ill effects.
"I always felt my condition forced me out of the game and that I hadn't left the game on my own terms. I feel I have unfinished business on the field and hearing the doctor's reports that I was clear to play was amazing."
The Northland police sergeant has played 27 tests for New Zealand and was part of the 2017 World Cup-winning side. A successful Super Rugby comeback would provide a boost to the Black Ferns, who suffered record defeats to England and France on their northern hemisphere tour last year.
"Charmaine is a talented all-round athlete and an example of how sporting talent can transfer between codes," says Ferns coach Glen Moore. "She is a very determined student of rugby, always analysing and figuring out how she can improve.
"As a coach, those are the kind of attributes you want in a player."
Smith's return will also boost the Blues' hopes in the inaugural women's competition, after they lost a one-off demonstration game to the Chiefs 39-12 last season.
"There's absolutely no pressure on her at all and we will give her all the support she needs to be able to return to the game at this level," says Blues coach Willie Walker.
The Blues and Chiefs will again meet in the Super Rugby Aupiki opener on March 5 at Auckland's Eden Park.
