Ruck signs with Northern Districts

Sian Ruck, the New Zealand Womens pacer, has moved to Northern Districts from Wellington for the upcoming domestic season.

Ruck, who was one of four New Zealand women players to be handed professional contracts by New Zealand Cricket last year, said she was looking for a fresh start after a poor season with Wellington where she picked up just three wickets from nine innings. She also said she was enthused by the prospect of playing under the new coach Mark Coles and coaching mentor Cliff Dickeson.

"It has not been an easy decision to leave Wellington as it's my home and I identify myself as a Wellingtonian," Ruck said. "But after a disappointing 2013-14 domestic season, I believe a fresh start and a new environment is the best way forward for me. I want to enjoy my cricket and to work my way back into the White Ferns.

"Having the opportunity to work with Mark and Cliff again is very exciting. I'm also looking forward to playing alongside leaders such as Nicola Browne, Morna Nielsen, and Natalie Dodd. I am also pleased that I will get the chance to work with some of the young up and coming talent in the region."

Ruck's signing was welcomed by Coles, who believed that her experience would benefit the rest of the squad.

"I'm thrilled to have someone of Sian's caliber as part of our team this year," he said. "She brings strong bowling skills to the group but she also has leadership qualities that I think will add so much value. This is a new season for us with lots of change coming, and for the better."

Ruck has played 27 ODIs for New Zealand Women, taking 24 wickets at an average of 32.75. In T20s, she has 40 international wickets in 37 matches at an average of 17.20.