AAP Rugby

Dragons land NZ sevens gold medallist Nathan-Wong

By AAP Newswire

May 24, 2023

Olympic gold medallist Tyla Nathan-Wong will aim to take her tormenting of Australia defenders from rugby sevens to the NRLW after agreeing a deal to join St George Illawarra.

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The 28-year-old New Zealander, who is famed for her off-beat interviews, is the final signing on Jamie Soward's roster ahead of the July 22 start date.

Nathan-Wong has a lengthy honours list in union's seven-a-side format, winning two World Cups along with gold medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

The Dragons said she was likely to assume a playmaking role after she was granted a release from her contract with New Zealand Rugby on Wednesday.

NZR said in a statement that the timing of Nathan-Wong's switch was "not ideal" but said she would remain in consideration for selection for next year's Olympics in Paris.

"I am excited to be jumping across the ditch and joining the NRLW," Nathan-Wong said.

"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."

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press