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Black Ferns Sevens legend Sarah Hirini re-signs with LA28 in sight
Sport Nation • September 25th, 2026 7:00 am
Sarah Hirini | Photo: Photosport
Sarah Hirini has re-signed with NZ Rugby, extending her contract through to the end of 2028 and her commitment to the Black Ferns Sevens.
The 33-year-old’s return comes four months after the birth of her son Masaru, and less than a year after stepping away from rugby to become a mother. The deal will take her professional career into a 16th season and could put a fourth Olympic Games in Los Angeles in sight.
Hirini has captained the Black Ferns Sevens to three Olympic medals, including gold at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. She has also won two Rugby World Cups with the Black Ferns fifteens, two Rugby World Cup Sevens titles, and gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Sarah Hirini, Jorja Miller and Jazmin Felix-Hotham after winning the 2025 rugby sevens series in Singapore | Photo: Photosport
“I’m very grateful to have this opportunity to continue my career with NZ Rugby," Hirini said in a statement.
"I am so proud to be from New Zealand, representing our country and wearing the black jersey is a privilege I’ll never take for granted and I'll always give everything I have for it.
"I’m excited to be returning to our team that has continued to grow and evolve and that has set the standards for high performance women’s rugby around the world. I still feel that we are only scratching the surface and I can’t wait to see what other things we can accomplish as a team.
Michaela Blyde, Sarah Hirini and Jazmin Felix-Hotham celebrate winning rugby sevens gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics | Photo: Iain McGregor/Photosport
"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.
"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.”
With 283 matches for the Black Ferns Sevens, Hirini was the first female international to reach 200 appearances. She has also played 17 Tests for the Black Ferns.
