Trailfinders sign Tanya Kalounivale as injury cover

Trailfinders Women are delighted to confirm the signing of New Zealand international prop Tanya Kalounivale as injury cover until 31 March 2026.

The 26-year-old tighthead prop joins Trailfinders after representing New Zealand at the recent Rugby World Cup. She has 27 caps for the Black Ferns and appeared five times during New Zealand’s RWC25 campaign to secure a bronze medal.

She made her Black Ferns debut in the 2022 Pacific Four Series against the Wallaroos in Tauranga and later that year was a part of the winning Black Ferns Rugby World Cup squad.

Kalounivale joins Trailfinders from Chiefs Manawa Rugby in New Zealand as injury cover alongside fellow Black Fern Maia Roos.

On signing for the Club, Kalounivale said:

“I’m really excited to be here, learning and experiencing a different style of rugby to what I’m used to.

“The whole team has been incredibly welcoming from the moment I arrived. I’m excited for what’s to come and for the ways I can grow both as a person and as a rugby player, make new friends, and experience a whole new culture.”

Head Coach, Barney Maddison, said: 

“Tanya has been the cornerstone of the Black Ferns pack over the past couple of years. To be able to bring someone like her into the Club to help us out is massive. She’s a fantastic rugby player.

“In the short period of time she has been here, she has already added so much value to the environment. With the long-term injuries to both Rori Wood and Flo Long it provides us with a great level of cover in the front row.”