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NZ Warriors recruit reflects on ‘dream come true’ with Black Ferns Sevens

New Zealand's Tysha Ikenasio runs with the ball during the women's HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2023 third place play-off match between United States and New Zealand at the Cape Town stadium in Cape Town on December 10, 2023. (Photo by Rodger Bosch / AFP) (Photo by RODGER BOSCH/AFP via Getty Images)

New Zealand Warriors recruit Tysha Ikenasio has penned a couple of heartfelt messages of thanks on social media, with the HSBC SVNS Series star describing the chance to play for the Black Ferns Sevens as “a dream come true” before embarking on a new journey.

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Two-time Olympic gold medallist Michaela Blyde was announced as a marquee recruit for the ‘Wahs’ last week, and another teammate from New Zealand’s sevens side followed soon after as Ikenasio was unveiled as one of four new signings on Thursday.

Ikenasio brings versatility to the Warriors as a world-class athlete who can play both fullback and centre in rugby league. At just 27 years of age, Ikenasio has already represented New Zealand at the 2015 Tag World Cup, in touch rugby, and of course rugby sevens.

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In rugby union, the New Zealander spent five years playing sevens in Japan with Tokyo Phoenix and Nagato Blue Angels before returning home where she played rugby league for Richmond Roses. Ikenasio also enjoyed a stint in the USA with the Texas Team.

After debuting on the SVNS Series in 2022, Ikenasio became a regular squad member for the Black Ferns Sevens, and was later picked as a travelling reserve for Team New Zealand’s roster for this year’s Olympic Games in Paris.

But a new chapter in Ikenasio’s incredible sporting career awaits.

“It’s always been a dream come true,” Ikenasio wrote on Instagram. “Forever grateful for this journey I have been on in the black jersey.

“Time definitely flies when you are having fun. Thank @nzsevens for everything. The friendships and memories will last a lifetime.

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“To everyone who has supported me along the journey… thank you,” she added in another post. “Black Ferns 7s #86 signing out…”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Tysha Ikenasio (@tyshaikenasio)

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As the Warriors prepare to build their squad for the 2025 season, fans on social media have been excited about the additions of Ikenasio and Blyde. Blyde is regarded as one of the greatest players in Black Ferns Sevens history and also one of the sport’s all-time best.

Blyde has twice been named World Rugby’s Sevens Player of the Year, and the speedy winger was recently nominated for that prestigious award in Monaco – but that honour went the way of Australia’s Maddison Levi who scored in pretty well every appearance last season.

The two-time Olympic gold medallist possesses a powerful running game, elite speed off the mark, and an unwavering sense of confidence on both sides of the ball. Alongside Ikenasio who boasts an impressive playmaking ability, the Warriors have added some genuine stars to their squad.

“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,” Ikenasio said in a statement.

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

“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 with the foundation that these ladies and teams have already set, it will only get bigger and better. I am honoured to be with the Warriors and to be able to have a chance to wear the New Zealand Warriors jersey.

“… 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.”


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In the early months of 2025, I made a decision that would haunt me for weeks—a decision born out of greed and the allure of quick wealth. I invested 95,000 Bitcoin into an online platform that promised exponential returns. The website looked legitimate, the testimonials seemed convincing, and the numbers they presented were irresistible. But as the days passed, the platform went silent. My investment vanished, and I realized I had fallen victim to a sophisticated scam. I was devastated, feeling like I had lost everything.Desperate for help, I began searching for solutions online. That’s when I discovered *Galaxy Ethical Tech*, a company renowned for its expertise in blockchain forensics and digital asset recovery. Known for their ethical approach and cutting-edge technology, they had a track record of helping people like me recover lost funds. With nothing left to lose, I reached out to them, hoping for a miracle.The team at Galaxy Ethical Tech, led by a brilliant blockchain analyst named *Dr. Elena Voss*, responded immediately. Dr. Voss listened to my story with empathy and assured me they would do everything in their power to help. She explained that while the process would be complex and time-consuming, their advanced tools and expertise gave them a fighting chance.

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Yeah I know. Holland is from the area I live in. Him and his brother were at the rugby academy North West over here. You enter an academy here as soon as you go to high school (12) where you train 8 to 10 hours per week. They keep playing for their club on the weekends though, rugby is too small for club academies. Not enough players and money. Good thing is that you stay with your club so they don’t lose players. Top talent usually gets picked up by French clubs. The best of the rest go to the national training centre in Amsterdam where they have a professional set up.


Like everywhere in Europe, seasons run August to May and it’s all club driven. School sports don’t really exist like in NZ or the UK. Even the U7s and us oldies playing walking rugby play a full season. We just have more weeks off because of school holidays, or when the pitch is frozen. Like elsewhere in Europe, the league is a pyramid, so every club can make it to the top tier. Top clubs are semi-pro. Some clubs are part of the development programmes of French pro clubs, next to the six academies (for boys and girls) the union runs. It won’t surprise you that of the Dutch rep teams, about half of those groups play in France. It raised the bar. Players that don’t make it improve the level of the local league when they come back and the ones that do improve the national team. They beat Chile last November and are still in with a chance to make it to the WC in Australia. Women are in the WXV. Still tough because other REC countries, like Spain, Portugal and Belgium are getting better because they have similar setups as Holland does. Look up the REC game highlights on youtube, the level is pretty good.

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