Bay of Plenty rugby union convert Autumn-Rain Stephens 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.
The 24-year-old Stephens-Daly dominated the post-match headlines and appears to have a bright future ahead of her in the black-and-white jersey.
