Rising sevens star Jorja Miller has committed to the longest contract signed by a woman in New Zealand rugby as she eyes more glory on the world circuit and a shot at Olympic gold.
The South Canterbury-raised 19-year-old’s four-year contract commits her to New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and the Black Ferns Sevens through to 2027.
Miller burst onto the international scene with her selection in the Black Ferns Sevens for the Rugby World Cup Sevens in September 2022.
She featured in all seven World Series tournaments through 2022-23, was named in the tournament dream team on four occasions, and was also named player of the final in Sydney.
She was also named Rookie of the Year by World Rugby.
Born and bred in Timaru, Miller’s first taste of rugby was for the Harlequins club, and she moved from Timaru Girls’ High to Christchurch Girls’ High for her last two seasons of school in searching for a higher level of play.
“I’ve got a lot of big goals I want to sort of off within this next four years,” Miller said.
“The Olympics are a massive goal.
“The Olympics are, I guess, the pinnacle of all pinnacles.
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Jorja Miller celebrates with teammates after being named player of the final at the 2023 Sydney Sevens at Allianz Stadium.
“To be able to, hopefully, be selected for that team will be massive. Just to wear that fern on my chest with the Olympic rings will be pretty special, but I know I’ve still got a lot of work between now and then, so definitely a big goal.”
As she prepared for the first tournaments of the upcoming season, in Dubai (December 2-3) and Cape Town (December 9-10), Miller said it was special to know she would be part of the side for the next four years.
“We’ve got such a big legacy in this team, so being part of continuing that by locking in a long-term contract shows the pathway that there is in the women’s game,” she said.
“It’s been with the men’s for so long, so for me to be able to do it, I think is just testament to the effort and the pathways the older girls have paved, both in 15s and sevens, and I think us women deserve it, so it will be cool to see, hopefully in the future, the other girls getting longer term contracts and committing to New Zealand Rugby.
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South Canterbury captain Jorja Miller beats a Mid-Canterbury defender during a girls’ under-15 sevens rugby tournament in Timaru in 2018.
“I’ve got a lot more to give to this team and this game. I’m excited to keep growing on and off the field and I have a drive to really change the game. I want to bring a different style and be a different athlete.
“I think, like every day in our environment, there are so many opportunities to grow, both on and off the field, and I think, to be surrounded by the big players of the game who have so much knowledge is one of the best ways I’ve found to I guess grow.
“If you are around them, they just have so much knowledge which they are willing to share. But everyone has got their own little things they like to tick off daily.”
She said she had no injuries, was feeling fit and ready to go.
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New Zealand’s Jorja Miller is airborne as she makes a break against Japan at the 2023 Sydney Sevens.
“I’ve had a really good pre-season with the girls which has been quite long, so it has been good to get our fitness back up and feeling ready and fit.”
She returned to Timaru when time allowed, to see her family.
“I get home during our break. We get a six-to-eight week break and I usually head home for a couple of weeks at Christmas and mum and dad usually travel around a bit, so just wherever we cross paths really.”
On the 15-a-side game, she said: “I think, at this stage, and for the near future, that sevens is my main priority, but the 15s doors aren’t closed yet.”
