Black Ferns star Jorja Miller has signed with New Zealand Rugby until the end of 2029 and says helping the team to a gold medal at the 2028 Olympics is her priority.
Miller, 22, the reigning back-to-back World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year, has spent four years in a black jersey and said she still hasn't reached her potential.
“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," she said.
“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 added that next year’s inaugural British and Irish Lions women’s tour was also something to look forward to.
“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.
Miller has clocked up 118 appearances and 111 tries for the Black Ferns Sevens, as well as seven Tests for the Black Ferns in 15s to become a central figure in the women’s game.
Black Ferns Sevens head coach Cory Sweeney said: “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.”
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Lancaster said: “Jorja is an ambassador for our game here in New Zealand with way she inspires young girls and boys to play rugby. To see someone who’s grown up in Timaru, to become the best sevens player in the world, and in 2024 the best rugby player in New Zealand is an incredible achievement and shows her talent, commitment and loyalty. We look forward to seeing what she can do through the next few years.”
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