Former world player of the year Ruahei Demant will join Bristol Bears on a four-month deal at the end of the month.
The 30-year-old New Zealand international was named player of the match when the Black Ferns won the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup (played in 2022).
Demant, who can play fly-half and centre, will join up with the Bears ahead of their Premiership Women’s Rugby match against reigning champions Gloucester-Hartpury on Sunday, 30 November.
“I’m so excited to have the opportunity to represent Bristol Bears in a world leading competition like the PWR,” she 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 [New Zealand Rugby] have allowed me to explore this opportunity and will return refreshed and ready for PAC4 [Pacific Four Series] in April.”
Demant is one of three female players to have won 50 international caps for New Zealand and has scored 130 points for her country.
Bristol have five points from their opening three PWR games and sit eighth in the table.
