Black Ferns star Ruby Tui has unveiled her plans for her sabbatical from NZ Rugby.
On Sunday, Tui announced she'd signed a two-year deal to remain with the Black Ferns, which includes a clause for an immediate off-shore hiatus.
The World Cup winner will head to the United States, where she'll play for one of the eight franchises to compete in the Premier Rugby Sevens competition.
"Stoked to announce I will be joining [Premier League Sevens] for the 2023 season," Tui posted on Instagram.
"Let's get to work."
Some of the teams involved in the tournament include Golden State Retrievers, Northern Loonies, Pittsburgh Steeltoes and Rocky Mountain Experts. Each will feature a men's and women's team. It's yet to be confirmed which side Tui will play for.
Entering its third season, the competition offers equal pay for both men and women. The 2023 edition kicks off on June 18.
After helping Black Ferns Sevens to a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Tui took last year off sevens rugby to focus on the World Cup.
"I've been a massive fan of Premier Rugby Sevens and what they've done for women's rugby since they formed in 2021 in the United States," Tui said.
"To help grow our game around the world, especially in a place like the US, is an opportunity I take very seriously."
"PR7s has an awesome model for their competition, with equal pay and opportunity for men and women.
"I'm absolutely buzzing to play some sevens again."
Tui follows in the footsteps of teammate Sarah Hirini, who will take up a sabbatical in Japan's Taiyo Seimei Women’s Sevens Series later this year.
"Having Ruby come and compete in Premier Rugby Sevens at the height of her playing career is an unprecedented historic moment for the sport of rugby and women's sports across the United States," said Owen Scannell, chief executive of Premier Rugby Sevens.
"Not only is Ruby a superstar on the field, but she is also one of the greatest ambassadors for rugby and most significant advocates for women's sports globally.
She has already captured the attention of millions of new fans around the world, and we can’t wait for her to join our efforts to build the game in the US."
The tournament format includes eight 14-minute games, rotating between the men's and women's competitions on the same day.
The season-long competition will build towards the 2023 PR7s Championship, where one franchise will take home the United Championship - an "unprecedented prize" that combines the men's and women's results.
