Multiple gold medal-winning Black Ferns rugby union star Stacey Waaka is returning to the NRLW on a two-year contract with the One New Zealand Warriors from next season.
Her signing extends a signing spree over the past three weeks which has seen the Warriors secure Waaka’s former Brisbane Broncos teammates Gayle Broughton, Mele Hufanga and Annetta Nuuausala fresh from claiming the NRLW premiership this month.
The 29-year-old Waaka boasts one of New Zealand most exceptional sporting careers with double gold medal success at the Olympic Games (2020 and 2024) and the Rugby World Cup (2017 and 2021) as well as the World Cup Sevens in 2018 and the Commonwealth Games the same year.
Used on the wing in an impressive NRLW debut campaign with the Broncos last year she scored six tries in six appearances before a broken leg ended her season.
“Bringing Stacey back home to play for the Warriors is a tremendous signing coup for us,” said One New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George.
“She’s an exceptional athlete who immediately showed what she can do when she switched to rugby league last year.
“On the back of signing Gayle, Mele and Annetta, Stacey’s arrival provides a fantastic boost to our NRLW programme.”
Waaka has just come off the Black Ferns’ Rugby World Cup campaign in England where they won bronze.
“We are thrilled to have Stacey join us at the One New Zealand Warriors,” said head coach Ron Griffiths.
“Her strength of character will be a wonderful fit for our flourishing culture.
“Stacey is an experienced world-class athlete and during her time in rugby league it was evident for all to see how easily she adapted to the game.
“Furthermore, we believe her inclusion will elevate our roster bringing a strong professional approach.”
With her appearance in the bronze medal match at the Rugby World Cup, Waaka took her tally of international games for the Black Ferns to 199 (32 Tests and 167 sevens matches).
She said rugby league-rugby union legend Honey Hireme-Smiler influenced her decision to join the One New Zealand Warriors.
“My reaction to signing with the Wahz was firstly a lot of excitement to play for the club in my home country,” she said.
“I was grateful for my experience at the Broncos and everything they gave me but it was a much easier decision to be at home closer to all my family and animals, as I have just bought my own little farm in Tauranga.
“My forever mentor and practically older sister Honey Hireme-Smiler was always on my case about playing for the Wahz too, so she is also a big reason I chose to come home as she has been one of my biggest rugby inspirations since I first started playing for Waikato with her in 2014.”
Added inspiration was provided by the Warriors’ performance in their return to the NRLW this year.
“My decision came about after talks with my agent as I always wanted to come back and play league after my little stint last season … didn’t know who for at that stage but so grateful the Warriors have put their faith and trust in me to add what I can to the legacy this team has created,” she said.
“It was inspiring watching their season this year as they stamped their mark back on the NRLW so I’m looking forward to joining an awesome bunch and just having loads of fun with everyone, including some former sevens players who I have previously played with, too.
“Meeting up with Ron and Cam a couple of times was great for me to see who they are as people and the vision they have for this team in the years to come.
“I could sense their passion and dedication for the future and it really made me want to be a big part of that. They value connection, culture and whānau and those are big reasons why I play so it was a no-brainer for me to make this choice.
“The Warriors have made such an impact on our community here in Aotearoa so it is cool to see Ron and Cam fully back the women’s game and strive to be NRLW premiership winners one day soon.
“It means so much to me and my whānau playing for the Warriors - our home team. That sense of pride, culture and mana the team brings and the excitement of players at all different levels of experience makes me feel privileged to say the least.
“I would still call myself a rookie in the game of league so I can’t wait to soak it all in once again and continue to grow not only as a league player but as a person.
“I had so much fun last season but lasted only six games before getting injured so I would say I have unfinished business in this game - ready for another exciting challenge yet again.”
As well as scoring six tries in her NRLW debut season last year, Waaka averaged 128 metres as well as making six line breaks and 23 tackle breaks.
Profile | Stacey Waaka
Born: November 3, 1995
Birthplace: Auckland, NZ
Position: Centre, winger
Height: 170cm
Weight: 72kg
Rugby league:
Previous club: Brisbane Broncos (2024)
NRLW debut: Brisbane Broncos v Gold Coast Titans, Totally Workwear Stadium (Langlands Park), Brisbane, August 11, 2024 (Rd 4)
NRLW career: 6 appearances (2024)
NRLW points: 24 (6 tries)
Rugby union:
Clubs: University (Waikato), Melville (Waikato), Ruatoki (Bay of Plenty)
Representative:
Farah Palmer Cup career: 26 appearances for Waikato (2014-2020)
Farah Palmer Cup points: 155 (31 tries)
Rugby Aupiki: 1 appearance for Chiefs Manawa (2022)
Rugby Aupiki points: 0
International:
Black Ferns Sevens career: 167 appearances (2016-2025)
Black Ferns Sevens points: 560 (112 tries)
Black Ferns 15s: 32 Tests (2015-2025)
Ferns 15s points: 65 (13 tries)
Honours:
Rugby World Cup:
Gold medallist 2017 Ireland
Gold medallist 2021 New Zealand
Bronze medallist 2025 England
Sevens:
Gold medallist 2024 Paris Olympic Games
Gold medallist 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games
Gold medallist 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games
Gold medallist 2018 San Francisco World Cup Sevens
Silver medallist 2022 Cape Town World Cup Sevens
Bronze medallist 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games
