Timaru’s Jorja Miller extends New Zealand Rugby contract through 2029
Jorja Miller, a prominent figure in both Sevens and fifteens rugby, has extended her contract with New Zealand Rugby until the end of 2029. The 22-year-old athlete expressed her ongoing ambition, stating she feels she is still in the early stages of her potential.
Miller’s decision to re-sign beyond the 2028 Olympics highlights her commitment to her goals within the sport. She articulated a desire to continue improving as a teammate and leader, aiming to make a significant impact on the game.
Her primary focus remains with the Black Ferns Sevens, where she is dedicated to securing another Olympic gold medal. Miller emphasised her daily motivation to inspire and influence her team to achieve unprecedented feats.
Beyond the Olympics, Miller also anticipates future events, including an upcoming British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand. She noted the excitement of potentially playing at home during such a significant event, though the specifics of her involvement are yet to be determined.
Miller’s journey began in Timaru, where she was a highland dancer. Her rugby career gained momentum after she moved to Christchurch Girls High School to pursue her aspirations with the Black Ferns Sevens. Her talent was evident at the Condor Sevens tournament in 2019, where she scored a game-winning try from an 80-metre sprint in extra time during a semi-final match. She followed this by scoring four tries in a dominant final victory.
Currently, Miller has recorded 111 tries in 118 games for the Black Ferns Sevens. She has also made seven appearances for the Black Ferns in fifteens, establishing herself as a central player in women’s rugby.
Miller takes pride in her small-town origins, viewing it as proof that success is not limited to those from larger cities. She credits the opportunities and support she received throughout her schooling for her current position, highlighting the values of hard work instilled in her.
Black Ferns Sevens Head Coach Cory Sweeney commented on Miller’s development, noting her immense growth throughout her career. Despite her age, Sweeney highlighted her significant progress as a leader, underscoring her value to the team both on and off the field, extending beyond her try-scoring abilities. Sweeney expressed excitement about Miller entering her prime and her commitment for an additional two years.
New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Steve Lancaster praised Miller as an ambassador for the sport in New Zealand. He pointed to her ability to inspire young boys and girls to engage with rugby. Lancaster described her journey from Timaru to becoming a top Sevens player globally, and in 2024, the top rugby player in New Zealand, as a remarkable achievement that showcases her talent, commitment, and loyalty. He looks forward to her future contributions.
New Zealand Rugby Sevens High-Performance lead Hannah Porter acknowledged Miller for setting a high standard in women’s rugby during her relatively short career. Porter expressed optimism that Miller is just beginning, anticipating further achievements in the black jersey during a period of expansion for the women’s rugby calendar.
Miller’s motivation remains as strong as when she signed her initial contract at 19 years old in 2022. She has been recognised as the reigning back-to-back World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year and the 2024 Kel Tremain Memorial New Zealand Rugby Player of the Year.
Her commitment to the Black Ferns Sevens and her aspirations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are central to her extended contract. Miller’s ongoing dedication suggests a continued impact on the sport in the coming years.
Miller’s achievements include an Olympic gold medal, two SVNS Series championships, and two World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year awards. She is also the youngest recipient of the Kelvin R. Tremain Memorial Player of the Year since Jonah Lomu.
Her re-signing ensures her presence in New Zealand Rugby for an extended period, allowing her to pursue her goals of changing the game and inspiring future generations. The opportunities and support she received from her community in Timaru and during her time at Christchurch Girls High School were instrumental in her rise to national prominence.
Miller’s focus on the 2028 Olympics and the prospect of playing in a British & Irish Lions tour in New Zealand demonstrate her engagement with both immediate and future significant events in rugby.
Her career statistics, including 111 tries in 118 games for the Black Ferns Sevens, highlight her consistent performance and contribution to the team’s success.
The support from New Zealand Rugby leadership, including Cory Sweeney, Steve Lancaster, and Hannah Porter, underscores the organisation’s confidence in Miller’s continued impact and leadership within the sport.
Miller’s commitment to New Zealand Rugby through 2029 aligns with her stated goal of having more to contribute to the jersey and its legacy.
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Source: rugbypass.com
