Sarah Hirini has signed a contract for the Black Ferns sevens that would see her available to play for another two years until the end of 2028.
Hirini's extension makes her the most experienced current NZ women's player, taking her through to 16 seasons of playing professionally.
The news comes just four months after Hirini and her husband welcomed their first son Masaru, which led her to take some time off from rugby.
The 33-year-old said that she's excited to balance motherhood with her return to the Black Ferns.
"Becoming a mum has been the most amazing life experience and I hope that other first time mums feel that it’s possible to continue their careers, sporting or otherwise, and know that motherhood doesn’t have to be a competing life choice," she said.
"I am very lucky to have the support of my husband Conor, our whānau and NZ Rugby to help me to continue to live the dream that I first had as a young 13-year-old girl living in Manawatū.”
Hirini was an instrumental player in many victories for the Black Ferns sevens, including three Olympic medals (including consecutive golds), two sevens World Cup titles and two Commonwealth Games podiums.
She has also won two 15s World Cups.
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