Maria Tutaia and Israel Folau confirm romance rumours

Sports stars Maria Tutaia and Israel Folau. Photo / Instagram

New sporting power couple Maria Tutaia and Israel Folau have been teasing fans with snippets of a new relationship for weeks now.

But the pair took a big step over the weekend by sharing the same loved-up snap on Instagram.

The Silver Fern and the Australian rugby star have been flirting via social media for some time, but had avoided being pictured together until now.

In a photo taken by the waterfront in Queenstown, the couple are all smiles with Folau's arm draped across Tutaia's shoulders.

The rumours were sparked when Tutaia posted a photo of Folau on instagram with the accompanying message: "Bae".

Folau then reciprocated the public display of appreciation by posting a photo of Tutaia at a red carpet event with the hashtag #WCE, meaning "woman crush everyday".

Tutaia's not the only netballer enjoying a hot new romance this summer.

Silver Fern Kayla Cullen also recently confirmed she and Warriors player Shaun Johnson were in a relationship.