Bay of Plenty rugby union convert Autumn-Rain Stephens-Daly enjoyed a meteoric rise after switching to rugby league in 2020, stealing the show on Kiwi Ferns debut against Fetu Samoa.
The Sevens and 15s rugby star won selection in a new-look New Zealand squad after an outstanding campaign in Upper Central Stallions’ triumph in the inaugural NZRL National Women’s Championship, where she featured at fullback.
Selected at five-eighth for the Kiwi Ferns, Rotorua product Stephens-Daly dazzling debut in the 28-8 win over Samoa at Mt Smart Stadium included: having a key hand in an early try for retiring great Honey Hireme-Smiler; scoring a blistering 50-metre try of her own; setting up winger and fellow debutant Katelyn Vaha’akolo for a four-pointer with another long run; and picked up a loose ball to complete her double during the second half.
After signing on for fledgling NRLW club Newcastle Knights ahead of the delayed 2021 premiership, Stephens-Daly scored both of Māori All Stars' tries in their 18-8 loss to Indigenous All Stars in the 2022 pre-season. She subsequently played eight of the Knights' 12 games during the two NRLW competitions run in 2022 - including five appearances on the wing - but did not feature in their grand final side in October.
Stephens-Daly put her versatility on show for the Kiwi Ferns courtesy of a starring role at fullback in the mid-2022 Test against Tonga, recording two line-breaks, two line-break assists, a try-assist and 182 metres in the 50-12 win at Mt Smart Stadium. The 26-year-old's ability to cover several positions stamped her as a valuable member of New Zealand's squad for the World Cup in England and she started at five-eighth in the pool win over France, scored a try from the wing in the nail-biting group-stage loss to Australia and played on the flank again in the loss to the Jillaroos in the final.
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Bay of Plenty rugby union convert Autumn-Rain Stephens-Daly enjoyed a meteoric rise after switching to rugby league in 2020, stealing the show on Kiwi Ferns debut against Fetu Samoa.
The Sevens and 15s rugby star won selection in a new-look New Zealand squad after an outstanding campaign in Upper Central Stallions’ triumph in the inaugural NZRL National Women’s Championship, where she featured at fullback.
Selected at five-eighth for the Kiwi Ferns, Rotorua product Stephens-Daly dazzling debut in the 28-8 win over Samoa at Mt Smart Stadium included: having a key hand in an early try for retiring great Honey Hireme-Smiler; scoring a blistering 50-metre try of her own; setting up winger and fellow debutant Katelyn Vaha’akolo for a four-pointer with another long run; and picked up a loose ball to complete her double during the second half.
After signing on for fledgling NRLW club Newcastle Knights ahead of the delayed 2021 premiership, Stephens-Daly scored both of Māori All Stars' tries in their 18-8 loss to Indigenous All Stars in the 2022 pre-season. She subsequently played eight of the Knights' 12 games during the two NRLW competitions run in 2022 - including five appearances on the wing - but did not feature in their grand final side in October.
Stephens-Daly put her versatility on show for the Kiwi Ferns courtesy of a starring role at fullback in the mid-2022 Test against Tonga, recording two line-breaks, two line-break assists, a try-assist and 182 metres in the 50-12 win at Mt Smart Stadium. The 26-year-old's ability to cover several positions stamped her as a valuable member of New Zealand's squad for the World Cup in England and she started at five-eighth in the pool win over France, scored a try from the wing in the nail-biting group-stage loss to Australia and played on the flank again in the loss to the Jillaroos in the final.
PROFILE
Height M
164
WEIGHT KG
DOB
Aug 6, 1996
HIGHLIGHTS
Test matches
5
Test points
12
Related player articles
Biography
Last updated:
October 7, 2026
Bay of Plenty rugby union convert Autumn-Rain Stephens-Daly enjoyed a meteoric rise after switching to rugby league in 2020, stealing the show on Kiwi Ferns debut against Fetu Samoa.
The Sevens and 15s rugby star won selection in a new-look New Zealand squad after an outstanding campaign in Upper Central Stallions’ triumph in the inaugural NZRL National Women’s Championship, where she featured at fullback.
Selected at five-eighth for the Kiwi Ferns, Rotorua product Stephens-Daly dazzling debut in the 28-8 win over Samoa at Mt Smart Stadium included: having a key hand in an early try for retiring great Honey Hireme-Smiler; scoring a blistering 50-metre try of her own; setting up winger and fellow debutant Katelyn Vaha’akolo for a four-pointer with another long run; and picked up a loose ball to complete her double during the second half.
After signing on for fledgling NRLW club Newcastle Knights ahead of the delayed 2021 premiership, Stephens-Daly scored both of Māori All Stars' tries in their 18-8 loss to Indigenous All Stars in the 2022 pre-season. She subsequently played eight of the Knights' 12 games during the two NRLW competitions run in 2022 - including five appearances on the wing - but did not feature in their grand final side in October.
Stephens-Daly put her versatility on show for the Kiwi Ferns courtesy of a starring role at fullback in the mid-2022 Test against Tonga, recording two line-breaks, two line-break assists, a try-assist and 182 metres in the 50-12 win at Mt Smart Stadium. The 26-year-old's ability to cover several positions stamped her as a valuable member of New Zealand's squad for the World Cup in England and she started at five-eighth in the pool win over France, scored a try from the wing in the nail-biting group-stage loss to Australia and played on the flank again in the loss to the Jillaroos in the final.
fixtures & results
