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'Change the game': The unstoppable rise of Jorja Miller
Kieran Bingham • March 13th, 2026 11:51 am
Jorja Miller | Photo: Photosport
Rising star Jorja Miller continues to shine on the world stage, reaching another major milestone while helping extend New Zealand’s dominance on the sevens circuit.
The 22-year-old crossed for the 100th try of her career during New Zealand’s 24-17 victory over Australia in the Vancouver Sevens final on Monday (NZ time).
The achievement added yet another highlight to Miller’s rapidly growing résumé as one of the most influential players in women’s sevens rugby.
Despite the individual milestone, Miller was quick to focus on the effort that delivered the tournament title.
"I was just really proud of the girls and the way that everyone stepped up," Miller told Sport Nation.
"To have our girls just step up into positions and believe in themselves and be confident in a final against a really great Aussie side. Just proud of the girls and the way they stuck together."
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The victory in Vancouver helped the Black Ferns Sevens take their overall points to 98, the highest total across both the men’s and women’s competitions on the current circuit.
Australia Women's Sevens remain firmly in contention on 92 points, continuing a fierce trans-Tasman rivalry that has become the defining matchups in women’s sevens.
For Miller, those high pressure clashes are exactly what she relishes.
"I love it. I think for me, those are the moments that you train for," she said.
"We are probably the top two teams, and have been for a while now, so you go into tournaments and you hope that you hope to come up against them in the final and I think us playing each other brings out the best of both teams."
Her performances against Australia have repeatedly delivered on the biggest stage.
In the past five finals between the rivals, Miller has been named player of the final three times, reinforcing her reputation as a big game performer.
"I just flourish in moments like that," she said.
"I always think big players stand up in big moments… So I go out, take all the confidence and all the nerves and just play some footy."
Photo: Photosport
While Miller may not be the quickest player in the squad, her relentless work ethic and competitiveness have helped shape her rapid rise in the sport.
"I pride myself on my work ethics. I'm always striving to be better. I won't let any of these girls beat me unless it's a running race… I let them be faster than me, that's not my strength," she laughed.
"I’m competitive and I will work hard for the betterment of this team. I’m always striving to be better, and I think that that allows me to keep taking those steps forward and turning up."
Life on the sevens circuit means constant travel, with tournaments and training camps taking the squad around the globe. After Vancouver Sevens, the team immediately shifts focus to New York Sevens before a short break ahead of the next stop in Hong Kong.
Despite the demanding schedule and time away from home, Miller says the lifestyle is something she embraces.
"Man, I love it. I can't complain. We're living the dream, travelling the world, playing rugby," she said.
"We all make sure we make the most of family time and connecting back home when we are there. So we're really lucky to experience the best of both worlds."
An electric presence with the ball and already one of the stars of the sevens game, Miller has also left the door open for a return to the 15 a side format in the future with the Black Ferns.
"I've always said that I wanted to change the game and that was my why," she said.
"For me, that's in sevens and 15s, so I'm going to have to switch back at some point. I'm just loving the sevens at the moment, my goal is another Olympic gold medal."
With milestones continuing to arrive and her influence growing with every tournament, the future of both Miller and the Black Ferns Sevens looks increasingly bright.
Listen to the full interview below:
