Ruahei Demant ready to play in 'the best competition in the world'

‘World class’ is arguably an overused phrase but it can firmly be applied in relation to Ruahei Demant. 

Bristol Bears' new fly-half was named World Player of the Year in 2022 after leading the Black Ferns to a home World Cup win and is one of three female players to have won 50 international caps for New Zealand. 

The Kiwi arrived in her new home on Sunday and while she may still be getting over the inevitable jet lag, she has already been made available for this weekend’s derby against Gloucester Hartpury.

Despite the rapid turnaround, Demant is excited to get going running in what she calls 'the best competition in the world.'

She said: “There's no other competition like it. You get to train with so many international players, and play against quality international players as well.

“I don't even know how many months this competition is, but it's crazy how many games there are. We don't get that back home.

“The PWR gives us the opportunity to play against quality opposition, play with quality teammates, and grow.

“I actually can't believe how many supporters turn out to the PWR matches, especially because it's dark and it's cold. It actually just blows my mind. I can't wait to hear it and I can't wait to play in it.”

On the face of it, Bristol's style will fit Demant’s like a glove. The Bears are known for playing a high–paced, high-risk game that suits the Kiwi’s ability to put her teammates into space.

The Bears also boast one of the most impressive training complexes in the league, which helped tempt the Black Fern to the West Country.

She said: “I was so shocked at how world-class the facilities are [at Bristol Bears]. I don't know what I was expecting, but I had only heard good things from everyone who came to visit.

“What was also really cool is how everyone in the environment is collaborative. There's no real separation with the boys which surprised me because we don't really have that at home.

“I didn't really know much about the way that the girls play so sitting down with Scott [Lawson] and Tom [Luke], and they spoke about the way that the team plays, the way the team likes to run the ball and the bravery that the girls show. That is right up my alley.” 

Her new coach, Scott Lawson, is just as enamoured with his new fly-half as she is with the Bears environment.

With an injury to fellow playmaker Phoebe Murray, Bristol are short of a conductor or two, making Demant the perfect piece to add.

Lawson said: “Her willingness to ask questions but also voice her opinion in the very short span of time has been brilliant. It's a fountain of knowledge. 

“I think she's highly regarded across all of New Zealand rugby, both male and female, for her leadership skills, for her personality and just her knowledge of the game.

“She's a huge asset for us on the field, off the field and culturally. Really looking forward to working with her and learning from her as much as she learns from us.”