Tyla Nathan-Wong leads a haka Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Black Ferns Sevens star Tyla Nathan-Wong is switching codes to play in the NRLW, but does hope to return.
New Zealand Rugby has agreed to release Nathan-Wong from her contract at her own request to pursue an opportunity across the Tasman during the Black Ferns Sevens off-season.
Nathan-Wong will play for the St George Illawarra Dragons.
The 28-year-old has been involved in the Black Ferns Sevens programme since her debut in 2012 at the age of 18.
She has won two Sevens Rugby World Cups, Olympic silver and gold medals, Commonwealth Games bronze and gold medals, alongside seven Sevens World Series titles.
Nathan-Wong said she was grateful that NZR has enabled her to pursue a personal goal.
"It will be a great opportunity to grow myself and my game on and off the field in a different sport, team, and environment before hopefully returning to the sevens programme.
"As an athlete I love the challenge and growth that sport offers, so to be able to test myself in a different format and experience a new space to refresh is hugely exciting."
Black Ferns Sevens coach Cory Sweeney says they'll be staying in touch with her about a possible return to the programme with a view to being a part of next year's Olympic campaign."
NZR General Manager Professional Rugby & Performance Chris Lendrum noted the increasing number of options available for professional women's rugby players to explore.
"Our women's professional players have an increasing number of opportunities available to them. We are working hard to ensure we are building competitions and a pathway in the women's game that our players want to play in, but we are not yet in a finished state. We need to maintain an open mind to retaining talent in this space and provide solutions that meet the needs of both players and NZR."