Black Ferns co-captain to temporarily join Bristol Bears

Black Ferns first five Ruahei Demant sends away a pass during the Rugby World Cup quarterfinal against South Africa in Exeter in September. PHOTO: NEW ZEALAND RUGBY/SMARTFRAME

Demant, 30, plans to spend four months with the Bristol Bears club in England before coming home ahead of the Pacific Four Series in New Zealand.

She will be the sixth Black Fern to join Premiership Women’s Rugby, joining Alana Borland, Georgia Ponsonby (both Trailfinders), Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Layla Sae (both Harlequins) and Amy Rule (Exeter Chiefs).

Demant’s time in England will include a collaborative approach between New Zealand Rugby and Bristol around training and load management with oversight from the Black Ferns coaching staff.

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

"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 NZR have allowed me to explore this opportunity and will return refreshed and ready for PAC4 in April."

NZR head of women’s high performance Hannah Porter said it was a "great development opportunity" for Demant.

"We believe it will be highly beneficial to her both as a player and person," Porter said.

"We look forward to seeing those benefits when she returns to New Zealand for international duty with the Black Ferns in April’s Pacific Four tournament, and the upcoming Super Rugby Aupiki season in June."

Demant’s signing means the past five World Rugby players of the year — she won the award in 2022 — will appear in the PWR this season.

The first five or midfielder is one of only three players to have earned 50 caps for the Black Ferns, scoring 130 points for her country.

Bristol Bears head coach Scott Lawson was thrilled to welcome Demant to his side.

"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," Lawson said.

"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."

The Bears need some reinforcement, as they are managing injuries suffered by playmakers 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." — Allied Media