Ruahei Demant: Everything you need to know

Bristol Bears have made a big splash with the signing of Black Fern Ruahei Demant. 

Demant is a world-class fly-half and will play a vital role for the Bears as they hunt for a spot in the PWR play-offs.

She is the latest in a raft of Black Ferns talent that have signed into the PWR, including Alana Borland, Liana Mikaele-Tu'u and Amy Rule.

Here is everything you need to know about Bristol’s newest star.

World Player of the Year 2022 

Demant was the Black Ferns’ co-captain and Player of the Match when they pipped the Red Roses to the World Cup three years ago.

On the back of leading her nation to victory in a home World Cup, Demant was named Black Fern of the Year and World Player of the Year. 

The fly-half earned the honours on the back of her exceptional game management and ability to bring her teammates into the game.

Demant’s performance over the World Cup in New Zealand cemented her as a legend of women’s rugby, and Bears will hope that she can bring her 2022 form to the West Country.

50 caps for the Black Ferns

Demant is one of just three players to have earned 50 or more caps for the Black Ferns, and has had success in numerous tournaments. 

She made her debut in 2018 at just 23, and New Zealand have barely gone a game without her since.

With Demant as their leader, New Zealand have won not only the World Cup, but three of the last four Pacific Four titles. 

Throughout her international career, she has scored over 130 points and won everything there is to win while carrying the responsibility of captaining her sides.

Very few players take on the dual role of captain and play fly-half because of the mental bandwidth it takes to do so but Demant has always done it at the highest level.

Bristol have a significant amount of young talent in their backline and the fly-half could be the perfect signing to help them grow.

2025 Super Rugby Champions Winner

Demant comes to Bristol off the back of a victorious domestic season with her old club, the Blues.

The Blues only lost one game en route to becoming the southern hemisphere’s best domestic team.

Demant was a vital part of her side’s success as they smashed the Waratahs in the final.

The fly-half drove her team around the field in a virtuoso display, showing the poise that Bristol will hope she brings to the Bears. 

With Demant pulling the strings in a backline also including the likes of Millie David, Reneeqa Bonner, and Emma Orr, Bears are in for an exciting season.