Miller signs with Black Ferns Sevens until end 2029
- 14 minutes ago
- 2 min read
New Zealand rugby star Jorja Miller has re-committed to the Black Ferns Sevens and NZR through to the end of 2029.
The reigning back-to-back World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year and 2024 Kel Tremain Memorial New Zealand Rugby Player of the Year said she was as motivated now as when she signed her first contract as a 19-year-old in 2022.
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“I feel like I’m still just scraping the surface, and I don’t feel like I’ve reached my potential of the best I can be, so I’ll continue to strive to be better as a teammate and as a leader and in whatever role I’m doing.
“I’ve always said I want to change the game and I know that in four years in the jersey I haven’t achieved that yet. I have a lot more to pour into this jersey, and this legacy, and I’m excited about where it’s going to lead.
“For me my main commitment is to Black Ferns Sevens and doing everything I can to win this next Olympic gold medal. Every day I wake up knowing what I want to do. I want to be able to inspire and influence our team to do what hasn’t been done before.”
Miller said a gold medal at the 2028 Olympics was her core focus, but acknowledged next year’s inaugural British and Irish Lions women’s tour was an exciting development.
“I don’t know what that could look like for me at this stage, but having an exciting Lions tour coming to New Zealand and to play at home, that’s really exciting,” she said.
At 22-years-old Miller has clocked up 118 appearances and 111 tries for the Black Ferns Sevens, as well as Seven Tests for the Black Ferns in fifteens to become a central figure in the women’s game.
A proud product of Timaru, Miller said hoped her achievements would inspire young boys and girls to chase their dreams, especially those from small towns.
“It’s something I’m really proud of, being from Timaru and calling it home. It shows you don’t need to be from a big city to make it to the big time. The opportunities and support I got all the way through school allowed me to get there and be in the position I’m in today. It taught me a lot of values. You’ve got to work hard to get where you want to be.”
Black Ferns Sevens Head Coach Cory Sweeney was thrilled to have Miller staing with NZR.
“Jorja has grown immensely through her career and although she’s still only 22, she has grown a lot as a leader. Her value to the group is both on and off the field, not just the tries she’s scoring and creating. It’s exciting to think she is just entering her prime and we’re thrilled she’s committed for another two years.”
