Black Ferns stars Layla Sae and Liana Mikaele Tu'u join Harlequins and set to feature in new Premiership Women's Rugby season
Updated 23/10/2025 at 16:52 GMT+1
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Harlequins Women have announced a double signing swoop as New Zealand stars Layla Sae and Liana Mikaele Tu'u are to join the club. The Black Ferns pair have starred on the world stage and now bring their considerable talents to Premiership Women's Rugby, live this season on TNT Sports. Mikaele-Tu'u will join the club from Monday, October 27, with Sae expected to arrive on Monday, November 10.
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Harlequins Women have confirmed the signing of "world-class" New Zealand stars Layla Sae and Liana Mikaele Tu'u.
Sae will join from Hurricanes Poua, with 19 international caps so far in her career. She played in five of her country's games at the recent Rugby World Cup, where she was regarded by some as one of the standout performers.
Mikaele-Tu'u, a 35-cap forward, is also known for her aggression, and boasts a nomination for the Black Ferns Player of the Year. She joins from the nibs Blues.
In a statement, Quins head of women’s rugby Andy Rhys Jones said: "I'm really pleased to be welcoming both Layla and Liana to Harlequins in the coming weeks.
"The long-standing relationship in place with the NZRU has allowed for this exciting opportunity. We feel that this can be incredibly beneficial for both parties, and we hope the relationship can continue to flourish in the coming years."
"Layla and Liana are two world-class talents and we know that they will add a lot to our environment.
"We’re also confident that this collaboration will allow both players to thrive in a new environment too and that they will be able to continue to develop as players, as they experience rugby in the Northern Hemisphere for the first time."
New Zealand Rugby head of women’s high performance, Hannah Porter, said: "It’s fantastic to see Layla and Liana join Harlequins Women for the next few months, a club with rich rugby history. After impressive Rugby World Cup campaigns with the Black Ferns, this experience gives them the chance to test themselves against, and alongside, some of the best athletes in the Northern Hemisphere.
"Beyond rugby, it’s a special chance for them to experience life in a new country and continue to grow as both athletes and people.
"We are fortunate to have such a positive relationship with Harlequins. This enables valuable opportunities for our players to step into different environments and new styles of rugby to further develop their game before returning to New Zealand in time for the Black Ferns season and Super Rugby Aupiki later in 2026."
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Mikaele-Tu'u will join the club from Monday, October 27 in time for the Round 2 visit to face Saracens. Sae is expected to link up with the squad on Monday, November 10, before the trip to Exeter Chiefs.
Watch and stream the Gallagher PREM, Quilter Nations Series and Premiership Women's Rugby on TNT Sports and discovery+
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