Harlequins Women have confirmed the arrival of New Zealand internationals Layla Sae and Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, until the end of March 2026.
Both Sae and Mikaele-Tu’u will join up with the side as injury replacements, following the conclusion of the 2025 Rugby World Cup.
The forward duo featured for the Black Ferns at the 2025 Rugby World Cup, as they secured a third-place finish in the tournament.
Mikaele-Tu’u will join up with the Club from Monday 27 October ahead of the Quarters’ Round 2 trip to the StoneX Stadium to face Saracens, with Sae joining the squad a fortnight later from Monday 10 November ahead of Quins’ away fixture against Exeter Chiefs.
Their arrival marks a continuation of the longstanding relationship between Harlequins and the NZRU that began in March 2018, focusing on player and coaching development, as well knowledge sharing from both parties.
Both players arrive with huge pedigree in the international game, having made a huge impression in the recent Rugby World Cup
Sae joins Harlequins from the Hurricanes Poua, having won 19 caps for the Black Ferns and played in five of their matches at the recent Rugby World Cup. A hugely physical and dynamic player, Sae was one of the standout performers throughout the World Cup.
Mikaele-Tu’u is a similarly abrasive and industrious forward, with 35 caps to her name. She has previously been nominated for Black Ferns Player of the Year and arrives from the nib Blues in Auckland. She has established herself as a key player for her Club in previous seasons and a mainstay of the Black Ferns pack.
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.”
NZR Head of Women’s High Performance, Hannah Porter, said this opportunity is exciting for both players and reflects the strong connection between Harlequins and New Zealand Rugby.
“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.”
Layla Sae said: “I’m so excited for this opportunity and I can’t wait to bring my own flair to Harlequins and the other side of the world.”
Liana Mikaele-Tu’u said: “I’m very grateful for this opportunity to experience a new environment at Harlequins. It’s a pretty big move away from everything I’ve known back in New Zealand, but it’s a challenge that I am really excited for. I’m looking forward to seeing what I can bring to the Quins jersey.”
With ranks to Harlequins
