Black Ferns cult hero Ruby Tui has revealed she will stay with the Black Ferns for two more years, after re-signing with NZ Rugby - but her term will start with an immediate sabbatical.
Tui, 31, has been absent from the rugby field, since her star turn with the NZ women during last year's World Cup triumph over England at Auckland's Eden Park, where she led the parochial crowd in chorus as part of the celebrations.
After taking several months to decide where her future lies, the Olympic sevens champion has told Sky Sport's Breakdown she will rejoin the national 15s programme under new coach Allan Bunting.
"Everyone, all around the world, has come out of everywhere with offers and it took ages to think about what makes me happy, mental health, where will I be happy... all these factors have come into it," she said.
"Me and NZR were going back and forwards for a long time, and thank goodness, we came to a space that we could agree on. They were willing to support long-serving members.
"I've signed the contract, but I'm starting with a sabbatical... Sarah Hirini has just announced her sabbatical, Kelly Brazier has announced her sabbatical. There's lots of things going on and took a while to get to this place."
Black Ferns Sevens captain Hirini will take a sabbatical on the Japanese sevens circuit, while sevens star Brazier will take her first steps into coaching, also in Japan. Tui will announce her sabbatical plans in coming days.
"Do I go to the UK, do I go to Asia, Japan, China... I had some massive opportunities. I'll be honest, NRLW [rugby league] sent through a contract that looked mighty, mighty fine."
One of Tui's motivations for staying in New Zealand is to keep homegrown talent available for the Black Ferns programme going forward.
"There are opportunities around the world and I want the next generation of the best players in the world - because they are in our backyard - I want them to stay here," she told Breakdown.
"I want to say to everyone who wants to be a Black Fern, if you play Super [Rugby], it's a realistic option. You can get picked up from nowhere and become a Black Fern, live your dream and travel the world.
"We're the best team in the world, stay in rugby, stay in Aotearoa and it is a good life."
Since the World Cup, Tui has released her biography and served as a commentator on the world sevens circuit, but she will likely miss the Black Ferns opening fixtures this year, while on her sabbatical.
She hints there are unannounced games looming that will pit the NZ women against the top Six Nations teams in New Zealand later this year.
Tui is encouraged by the development of women's rugby since the World Cup success.
"Those steps have to be made, a couple of them have already been made, but I, for one, won't accept lip service. I think, this goes to show I'm staying in this for a reason - there have been some changes made here and it's really awesome."
