Ruby Tui's infectious personality has seen her become the face of women's rugby in New Zealand, and she's not done yet.
The Black Ferns winger has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby for a further two years, conceding her off-field work and continuing to ensure the growth of the women's game continues in Aotearoa, is a big reason for doing so.
Today, Tui was at Cornwall Park District School, talking with students about resilience and anti-bullying, while also helping build a 'Buddy Bench' - a place for children needing a friend to sit.
"As a young kid, growing up, you're still navigating everything," she told Newshub. "What is this feeling called? Why am I feeling this? And honestly, without realising, you need relationships and connections around you.
"It's not just a good cause that we all should be a part of, it's doing something I believe in, which is in turn good for my mental health which means I can give more.
"The more rugby I play the more I realise it's not about the rugby. It's about having the opportunity to be a role model."
But playing rugby is what she'll be doing for at least two more years after re-signing with NZR.
"I realised a little bit of the responsibility," she said. "I thought about it for longer than lots of people would've liked.
"But no regrets and I'm so happy that everyone involved came to the party and I get to stay in the best country in the world."
And while it means the governing body holding onto one of its biggest assets, it also means Tui continuing to use her platform for causes like anti-bullying, Pink Shirt Day, and ensuring the women's game continues to grow.
"The world's a different place now," she said. "And we can get scared and run away from it, or we can go 'how can we add value to that and how can we remain who we are in that context?'"
However, the Black Ferns star will head offshore later this year for a sabbatical.
While the details haven't been confirmed, Newshub understands a leading option is in Japan, while there are off-field offers too.
Tui has already commentated on Super Rugby and the Sevens World Series this year.
"I'm only leaving the most beautiful country in the world for a bit of value," Tui explained.
The new deal though also leaves Tui off-contract for the 2025 World Cup in England.
When asked by Newshub if she's thought about the Black Ferns' silverware defence in two years, Tui answered "yup".
"I'm kind of in day one, game one, sorting those steps out," she added. "Because I truly believe if we do, the World Cup will take care of itself."
Tui made it clear, though, that she'd love to be there, and many would love to see her there.
