Sevens star Tyla Nathan-Wong has been released from her NZ Rugby contract and will become the latest rugby player to join Australia's NRLW for St George Illawarra Dragons.
Nathan-Wong, 28, has been a fixture of the Black Ferns Sevens for more than a decade, culminating in 2021 Tokyo Olympic gold.
With 195 tournaments under her belt, Nathan-Wong won the world sevens series seven times, as well as a 2016 Olympic silver medal, 2018 Commonwealth Games gold, and Sevens World Cups in 2013 and 2018.
Nathan-Wong also made her Black Ferns debut in 2022, but missed out on Wayne Smith's final squad to defend the Rugby World Cup at home.
She will now change codes altogether, joining former Sevens teammates Niall Guthrie and Gayle Broughton in rugby league and the NRLW.
"It will be a great opportunity to grow myself and my game, on and off the field, in a different sport, team and environment, before hopefully returning to the sevens programme," she said.
"As an athlete, I love the challenge and growth that sport offers, so to be able to test myself in a different format and experience a new space to refresh is hugely exciting.
"I am really appreciative to NZ Rugby for giving me the contract release to enable me to take up the opportunity, and to my fiancée, family, and management team for all the support."
By signing for the Dragons, Nathan-Wong has indicated her intent to play at five-eighth, forming a partnership with Kiwi Ferns halfback Raecene McGregor - the current NRLW Dally M medallist.
While Nathan-Wong is the latest player to head to Australia, Black Ferns Sevens coach Corey Sweeney hopes she will be available to return to sevens in 2024, when New Zealand defends their gold medal in Paris.
"While the timing is not ideal, being a year out from the 2024 Paris Olympics, we wish her all the best with this next chapter in her career," he said.
"We will certainly be staying in touch with her about a possible return to the programme, with a view to being a part of next year's Olympic campaign."
