Tysha Ikenasio

Tysha was signed on a three-year contract just before Christmas last year.

After five years playing sevens rugby union in Japan, Ikenasio returned home where she had a season playing rugby league with the Richmond Roses in the Auckland premiership before breaking into the Black Ferns Sevens squad in 2022. As well as sevens rugby, she has represented New Zealand in touch and tag.

Head coach Ron Griffiths on signing Ikenasio said: “Tysha has a wonderful story, her career being built on resilience in taking the long route to become a Black Ferns sevens player,

“Included in her journey has been a stint in Japan, playing rugby league in Auckland and going through the enrolment process for the New Zealand Police before her opportunity finally came to join the sevens programme.

“Although she speaks with ultimate pride about her time in rugby, it has been evident in working our way through the process to sign her how committed and ready she is for the next chapter in her life.

“Tysha exudes a club and team first mentality. This coupled with her resilience and drive will no doubt see her have an immediate impact for the One New Zealand Warriors. We’re thrilled to have her on board.”

On her signing with the Warriors, Ikenasio said: “Honestly I’ve been watching the NRLW from afar for years. I’ve had mates who have played in it, had teammates who have made the switch to league and honestly been in awe of all the talent that has been shown.

“I actually had a season of league in Auckland after I returned home from being in Japan for five years playing sevens. I got to play for the Richmond Roses alongside some really amazing players like Laishon Albert-Jones and Charlotte Scanlan with coach Tash Davie.

“When Ron reached out to me I couldn’t believe it. I was nervous for the first phone call but it was instantly effortless. He hadn’t asked me one thing about league or sport, it was all about me as a person, my family, where I grew up and I knew from then that he was a genuine, good human being.

“The way he talked about building a culture, building a community and just being good people, not only reflected on him but also the way the team culture is going to be built. Coming from the Black Ferns Sevens you know just how important culture is off the field and so hearing his vision for the Warriors there was no doubt in my mind I wanted to be part of that.

“I feel like the NRLW is just growing each year and with the foundation that these ladies and teams have already set, it will only get bigger and better. I am honoured to have signed with the Warriors and to be able to have a chance to wear the New Zealand Warriors jersey.

“My family are absolutely stoked with me making the change. They were proud of me and my sevens career but they’re a league family so they are even prouder (now) and no doubt will be at every home game. My Dad and Poppa were the biggest league fans, so I know that it would have been a dream for them to see me playing for the Warriors.

“I know I have a lot to learn in league and I’m excited to learn alongside some really experienced players. I’m just thankful that Ron has given me this opportunity and I’m excited for not only next year but the next three years. Building a great team culture, giving back to the community and inspiring the next generation.”