The countdown is on for a special reunion in England this week for 18-year-old Black Ferns winger Braxton Sorensen-McGee and her mum Nicole.
Sorensen is set to fly out from Auckland to watch her daughter perform against South Africa in the World Cup quarterfinal, after her successful tournament debut.
"We can't wait until I get there… and I can see her and give her that big hug," the proud mum said.
Sorensen-McGee contributed to her teammates scoring tries and she notched hat-tricks in consecutive matches against Japan and Ireland. She’s the youngest player in the history of the competition to score three in a match.
While she's used to playing at fullback, she's also been on the wing in the Cup.
"This kid of mine, she just amazes me every time she hops on that field," Sorensen said.
"You think you’ve seen something new with her but it just continuously… something different.
"Just so proud of her."
The 18-year-old rising star and her mum are set to reunite in England this week after their longest time apart during her Rugby World Cup campaign. (Source: 1News)
Sorensen was up for the 1.45am kick-off against Ireland before heading to work, clapping and jumping up and down while watching, but quietly, with her son sleeping. She said the Black Ferns gave a great, physical performance.
"The Black Ferns and their defence was on point and even their line breaks.
"It was amazing and then my phone was just going off 'cause I’ve got my sister in America watching, my daughter in Ngāruawāhia watching, my daughter in Brisbane watching."
She said Sorensen-McGee started playing league as a child and had always been "very competitive".
"She was basically born on the field at trainings with her brother, trying to slip into his trainings at the age of two and started playing at under-sevens as, you know, the only girl on the team."
At Auckland Girls' Grammar, she started 15-a-side rugby in Year 9 because she wanted to play with her friends, her mum said.
Aged 16, she was named rookie of the year in her debut season in 2023, playing for Auckland in the Farah Palmer Cup for two seasons and debuting for the Blues for Super Rugby Aupiki this year.
She turned down a development contract from the New Zealand Warriors Women to continue pursuing rugby. Her mum said the “family environment” at the Blues was part of her decision.
She joined the Black Ferns squad for the Pacific Four series this year, debuting in May against the Wallaroos where she was awarded player of the match after scoring two tries.
Sorensen said to see her daughter go from wanting to play league as a toddler to competing in the World Cup was "unbelievable".
"I've always known she's going to be a star, but I'm a bit biased because I'm her mum, but I didn't realise it would be this fast."
The teenager’s ultimate dream is to experience wearing the black jersey for sevens rugby and league, as well as 15s.
Sorensen credited her daughter’s team mates and coaches for helping her build confidence and feel comfortable on the field in such a high-stakes competition.
"The girls have taken Brax under her wing, like that's their little baby, their little sister."
She’d told her daughter before the tournament that travelling with the team would be an experience, even if she didn't take the pitch - but there was no need to manage expectations.
"You wouldn’t think she’s out of place on the field at all."
Instead, she quickly became a key part of the Black Ferns’ mission to defend their title.
"I believe in our girls and know that definitely, definitely see them at the grand final," Sorensen said.
As for seeing her daughter play in the World Cup this weekend, Sorensen said there may be some tears.
"Just pure joy, pure being so proud.
"She always goes, 'Mum, you can't cry', but I always do."
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