Unexpected Move: Two-time Olympic Champion Michaela Blyde Joins the Warriors

Two-time Olympic gold medallist Michaela Blyde is set to make her mark in the NRLW, joining the New Zealand Warriors as the latest recruit from the rugby sevens arena.

The 28-year-old, often hailed as one of the finest players in sevens history, played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s triumph at Paris 2024 and is now looking to embrace a new challenge.

Blyde boasts an impressive record with 247 tries across 218 matches for the Kiwis and has earned back-to-back World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year accolades in both 2017 and 2018.

In a statement released on Tuesday afternoon, Blyde expressed her excitement about joining the Warriors as they re-enter the league in 2025.

“I’m feeling a wave of excitement,” she shared. “This is a day I’ve been anticipating for a few months. Signing with the Warriors was somewhat unexpected for me, but I am truly grateful for the opportunity that the New Zealand Warriors have extended.”

“I’m excited to be part of something that’s evolving at an incredible pace; it would be a missed opportunity not to be involved.”

“The Warriors are a club I grew up following on television. My family is passionate about rugby, but whenever the Warriors were on, we would change the channel to watch their games.”

Blyde will be joining a formidable squad in Auckland, which also includes Apii Nicholls and Laishon Albert-Jones, both of whom have signed with the club for the upcoming season.

Warriors’ CEO Cameron George is confident that Blyde’s signing will transform the team into a formidable competitor as they make their return to the NRLW for the first time since 2020.

“This is thrilling news, marking a significant day for both the club and the game by bringing in a player of Michaela’s outstanding quality,” he stated.

“Her arrival highlights the growing excitement surrounding the NRLW and rugby league within the New Zealand sporting scene.”