Rising sevens star Jorja Miller has committed to New Zealand Rugby and the Black Ferns Sevens until 2027.
The four-year deal is the longest ever signed by a women’s player in New Zealand, with professional contracts introduced for the Black Ferns Sevens just over a decade ago.
It is the first of several deals that will secure the future talent of the programme for years to come.
Miller burst onto the international scene with her selection for the Black Ferns Sevens at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in September last year.
The 19-year-old went on to play in all seven of the 2022/23 World Series tournaments, was named in the tournament’s Dream Team on four occasions and was named Player of the Final in Sydney.
She was named World Rugby’s Rookie of the Year in her debut season.
As she prepares for the first tournament of the new season, Miller said it was special to know she will be part of the team for the next four years.
“We’ve got such a great legacy in this team, so to be part of continuing that by signing a long-term contract shows the way forward for the women’s game.
“I have a lot more to give to this team and this game. I’m excited to continue to grow on and off the field and have the drive to really change the game, to bring a different style and be a different athlete,” said Miller.
Head of Women’s High Performance Rugby Hannah Porter said the confirmation of Miller’s commitment to the Sevens programme was a significant milestone.
“Jorja’s long-term commitment to the Black Ferns Sevens is fantastic. The programme has a proven track record of developing some of the world’s best rugby athletes and we are excited to see what the future holds for Jorja and the team,” said Porter.
Black Ferns Sevens Coach Cory Sweeney said Miller was a player with a huge future ahead of her.
“We have already seen in her first season the potential that Jorja has. She is one of several impressive young ladies we have in our squad who will be integral to our future success,” said Sweeney.