Another rugby legend, Tyla King, will be hanging her boots and black jersey after the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.
Sharing her beautiful rugby memories since her debut on Instagram, she wrote:
"After 13 unbelievable years, its time for me to hang up my boots and retire from the sport that has been a massive part of my life 🥹🖤!!
"The Paris 2024 Olympics will be my final time representing New Zealand in Rugby 7s and wearing the Black Jersey!!
"I was a young 17yr old kid, still in high school when I first made the team. Now I'm 30yrs old and about to play at my 3rd Olympic Games ☺️. This team and the sport of rugby has allowed me to travel the world to countries I could only dream of, amazing team mates that I call sisters, opportunities I never thought possible and so much more 🥹😊!!
"One last ride in the Black Jersey...Paris 2024 here we come 🖤!!"
Tyla Nathan Wong started off her career in Ruby 7s really early. In fact, at the time, she was the youngest to have been selected in the team. Tyla was only 17 when she got in the team, and then made her debut (at 18) in 2012.
In 2013, she lifted the sevens World Cup and brought a gold medal home.
“It’s a feeling it’s my time to pass the jersey on. I’m still proud of my performances. I have a pinnacle event left to win, but it’s time to move on. It’s pretty cool to retire on your terms,” Tyla told Newsroom.
After the Paris Olympics, Tyla will begin a two-year contract with the St. George Dragons in the NRL Women's Premiership. She previously played a season with the Dragons in 2023 and she knew it 'wasn't going to be just a one-season thing' coming from a 'league family'.
"When I decided to switch to league, I knew it wasn't going to be just a one-season thing. I grew up in a league family and have followed the sport my entire life," Tyla told Newsroom.
“It was new, a kid in a candy store stuff. I went back to being a learner and when I do something, I do it 100 percent. I can’t wait for the Olympics but the opportunities that await in the NRLW space are exciting too.”
Tyla recently became the "all-time leading points scorer on the women's seven series".
On representing Aotearoa and bringing home medals, she's brought 2 World Cup titles, an Olympic silver and gold medal, Commonwealth Games gold and bronze medals, and 7 World Series titles.
Tyla Nathan Wong King was honored as New Zealand Rugby Sevens Player of the Year in 2019 and World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year in 2023.
What an incredible journey you've had Tyla and what a legacy. We're super proud and excited for your new chapter!
Last week Portia Woodman-Wickliffe announced her retirement from Black Ferns after 12 years.
