Black Ferns star Shakira Baker is one of two rugby union players signed by the One New Zealand Warriors for the club’s NRLW comeback next season.
And, as well as the much-decorated Baker (32), the Warriors have secured exciting 18-year-old Bay of Plenty rugby union product Tyra Wetere.
Baker, used at wing, centre and fullback in union, has been signed for 2025 and 2026 with a club option for 2027 while fullback-halfback Wetere has been locked in for 2025 and 2026.
With the pair added to the 2025 squad, the Warriors now have 10 players confirmed so far. Others secured are fullback Apii Nicholls, props Mya Hill-Moana and Harata Butler, hooker Capri Paekau, second rower Laishon Albert-Jones, outside backs Emmanita Paki and Lavinia Tauhalaliku and prop-second rower Matekino Gray.
The Masterton-born Baker boasts an exceptional rugby union career as a 13-Test Black Fern in the 15s game and a 12-season Black Ferns sevens veteran.
Since breaking into provincial rugby union as a 16-year-old with Wellington in 2009, she has gone on to capture gold medals at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco while she was also a silver medallist with the Black Ferns at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.
One New Zealand Warriors NRLW head coach Ronald Griffiths hailed Baker’s signing as the club builds towards returning to the competition in 2025.
“Having been a representative in both sevens and 15s, Shakira will be a fantastic addition to the Warriors,” he said.
“She’s a powerful ball runner with the ability to play a multitude of positions.
“Shakira’s deep-seated determination to make a successful transition was evident when we spoke. We are extremely excited to welcome Shakira to the Warriors’ whānau.”
Playing out of the Eketahuna club, Baker comes from a strong rugby union background. She’s related to former Māori All Blacks and Wairarapa Bush representatives Carlos Baker and Charlie Kaka as well as All Blacks Sevens star Gillies Baker.
Taupō-born teenager Wetere lived in Sydney until she was seven before moving to Bay of Plenty where she later attended Mount Maunganui College.
Griffiths said he’s excited about the skills she will bring to the squad.
“Watching Tyra’s highlights we were immediately captivated,” he said.
“She’s a balanced runner who is dynamic and has an advanced skillset.
“After our initial discussions we knew that we wanted Tyra at the Warriors. It was evident she is humble, of great character and values hard work. We are looking forward to helping Tyra realise her potential.”
Wetere has forged a rugby union career at age group level for Bay of Plenty while she has also represented the province in rugby league. Last year she was named the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union’s under-18 player of the year and also won the Bay of Plenty Rugby League’s under-18 back of the year honour.
“Witnessing the growth of women’s rugby league and the development of the NRLW fuelled my desire to want to put my hand up, especially as I watched my friends successfully cross-coding from union to league. So, when I received a call from Ronald, I was over the moon.
“Ronald’s first question to me was: ‘Why do I want to play league?’ And I was honest with my answer.
“Sport is my passion and I want to do it for as long as I can. I’m thrilled by the challenges rugby league presents, the chance to remain in a high-performance environment and understand the commitment and hard work it takes to be the best.
“Everything I had heard about Ronald’s coaching success was confirmed in our conversations; his vision and the culture he aims to cultivate at the One New Zealand Warriors is truly inspiring and I’m grateful to get the opportunity to be a part of it all.”
“As an 18-year-old starting my career with the NRLW Warriors, being selected after coming back from injury feels so surreal. When I got the call, I was absolutely buzzing. It’s something I’ve worked hard for and dreamed of for years.
“To be part of the Warriors’ return to the NRLW is such an incredible opportunity, and I’m honoured to be part of this journey.
“Ron has laid out his expectations clearly: hard work, determination and playing with heart on and off the field.
“As a young player, I’m dedicated to step up, learn from one of the best coaches in the game and play alongside some amazing wāhine I look up to.
“This is a big step for me and I’m ready to give everything I’ve got to be a part of the team’s future.”
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