Black Ferns co-captain Demant joins PWR

Black Ferns star Ruahei Demant is set to join the Premiership Women's Rugby having signed a four-month deal with Bristol Bears.

The New Zealand captain is the sixth Black Fern to join the league this season and will arrive in the West Country at the end of the defender.

Demant's signing means the last five World Rugby Women's 15s Players of the Year will be operating in the PWR this season, with the 30-year-old winning the award in 2022.

The versatile Kiwi, who can operate at fly-half and centre, is one of only three players to have won 50 caps for the Black Ferns, scoring 130 points for her country.

She co-captained her side to the 2021 Rugby World Cup title (played in 2022) and was named Player of the Match in their final victory over the Red Roses.

Demant remains a key cog in a formidable New Zealand side and is one of the leading stars in the women’s game.

She will arrive in Bristol ahead of the clash with three-time reigning champions Gloucester-Hartpury on Sunday 30 November.

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Bears head coach Scott Lawson said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Ruahei Demant to the Bears family. Ruahei is a genuinely world-class player - her vision, leadership and ability to influence games at the highest level set her apart, and we can’t wait to welcome her into our group later this month.

“You don’t become World Player of the Year without being something truly special, and her experience with the Black Ferns will bring immense value to our environment both on and off the pitch.

“With the injuries we’re managing to key playmakers like Phoebe Murray and Meryl Smith, Ruahei’s arrival couldn’t be more important. She brings not just quality and composure in the backline, but also the kind of presence and professionalism that lifts everyone around her. We’re excited to see the impact she’ll have in a Bears shirt.”

Demant said: “I’m so excited to have the opportunity to represent Bristol Bears in a world-leading competition like the PWR.

“I can’t wait to meet the girls, the management and the fans all while growing as a person and a player. I’m extremely grateful New Zealand Rugby have allowed me to explore this opportunity and will return refreshed and ready for PAC4 in April!”