BLACK FERNS STAR TYLA 'I CAN'T WAIT TO BE A BRIDE!

Sevens star Tyla Nathan Wong opens up about her wedding plans and how she's coping with a long-distance romance as she prepares to tie the knot

Making her Black Ferns debut at M just 18, Kiwi rugby star Tyla Nathan-Wong has faced countless high-pressure moments in her illustrious career, but none more nerve-racking than her wedding dress fitting.

Ordinarily a sweats-and-sneakers kind of girl, all eyes were on the bride-to-be as she tried a selection of gorgeous gowns at the Auckland boutique of Kiwi designer-to-the-stars Trish Peng.

"To think I've played in front of hordes of screaming fans all over the world, but it's finding the perfect wedding dress that has my tummy in knots," muses Tyla, who's set to wed her sporty fiancé, waka ama champion Tupuria King, 30, this summer.

"I was never that person who dreamed about my wedding day until I met Tupu, and everything fell into place. Saying yes to the dress has made this experience feel so real and I just can't wait to officially be Mrs King."

While Tyla is staying tight-lipped on her final dress design, it will be one of bridal queen Trish's fabulous frocks - and the Olympic gold medallist is thrilled to cross another item off her long wedding to-do list.

As an added stress, the couple is doing the bulk of their wedding planning from afar, with Tyla, who is of Ngāpuhi, Chinese and Pākehā descent, playing her debut season of rugby league for the St George Illawarra Dragons in Australia.

"I've always been a massive fan of rugby league and followed the NRL, so I'm absolutely loving the new challenge here - my team members, coaches and management are incredible, and I'm learning and growing every day," says the 29-yearold, who was granted a release from her Black Ferns Sevens contract in May to fulfil her childhood dream of playing league professionally.