Ayesha Leti-I'iga

Ayesha Leti-I’iga is widely recognised as one of rugby’s best wingers. She currently plays for the New Zealand women’s rugby union team and Wellington Pride. Leti-I’iga made her international debut in 2018 and the national team describes her as a ‘try-scoring sensation’.

Born on 3 January 1999, Ayesha Leti-I’iga was a sprinter while at school. With the power and speed of a seasoned sprinter, she switched to rugby and brought her skills to the game. Within a short time, she was signed to Wellington Pride and debuted for the club when she was just 16. 

Leti-I’iga currently plays for two Wellington-based clubs and has proven herself as a talented winger. To date, she has scored more than 50 tries for Wellington Pride and more than 150 for Oriental Rongotai. Additionally, she has also impressed on the international stage.

Ayesha Leti-I’iga featured in every match at the 2019 Women’s Super Rugby Series. She also scored a try in the Black Ferns’ 35-20 victory over Canada. A couple of years later, in 2021, she joined Hurricanes Poua and competed in the inaugural Super Rugby Aupiki. 

Following this, she was named in the Black Ferns squad for the 2022 Pacific Four Series and excelled throughout the tournament. Her highlights included scoring two tries against Australia and three tries in the team’s final match. Not only did New Zealand take the title, but Leti-I’iga was also the top point scorer and try scorer of the series.

Next came the delayed 2021 Rugby World Cup. Leti-I’iga’s winning streak continued as she scored a try in the Black Ferns’ match against Scotland. She also scored two tries in the final, helping New Zealand to beat England 34-31 and take their sixth World Cup title. 

As one of the most talented wingers in the women’s game, we’re always excited to watch Ayesha Leti-I’iga take to the field.