Two-time Olympic gold medallist Sarah Hirini makes big call on future

Two-time Olympic gold medallist Sarah Hirini has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby through to 2026. This announcement on Monday comes as a major boost for the Black Ferns Sevens as they prepare to usher in a new era without some retired legends of the sport.

Hirini is one of the most decorated athletes in the history of rugby union, with the 31-year-old helping New Zealand win a few medals at the Olympic Games, as well as glory at the Rugby Sevens World Cup, Commonwealth Games and on the SVNS Series.

The 31-year-old is also a dual Rugby World Cup winner in 15s, which included a series of heroic performances by the openside flanker at the latest iteration of the tournament two years ago. In that run to championship glory, the Blacks Ferns beat Test heavyweights France and England.

But, if that wasn’t enough, Hirini showed an elite level of professionalism, resilience and determination even to make Team New Zealand’s team for the Paris Olympics. Hirini suffered an ACL injury in Dubai last December but recovered in time to play at the Games.

Hirini also suffered multiple fractures during the gold medal match.

What Hirini has already achieved in both sevens and 15s is the stuff of legend, but the New Zealander will continue to don the black jersey. With Portia Woodman-Wickliffe and Tyla King retiring, this signing is quite significant for NZR.

“I love playing at this level and I love representing the Black Ferns Sevens,” Hirini said on the latest episode of Relentless on NZR+.

“I took a lot of time to think about what I wanted to do, and I want to continue the legacy that’s been made not just on the field but off the field too.

“I can’t wait to see what the next few years have in store for us, we’ve got some exciting young players who are absolutely amazing.

“I want to be a part of their careers, I want to see how far they can push themselves and if I can help in a small way, I am excited by that opportunity.”

When Hirini picked up that devastating knee injury at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai late last year, a hush fell around the venue. Hirini had been the heroine for the Kiwis with a last-minute try in their earlier game against South Africa, but only a few hours later, it didn’t look good.

Hirini was on crutches as her Black Ferns Sevens teammates competed in the Cup Final against arch-rivals Australia – with the women in gold claiming victory in a thriller – and she later returned home to New Zealand when the rest of the team flew to Cape Town.

After months and months of hard work, the experienced SVNS Series campaigner was seen with the team at the Madrid SVNS earlier this year, but in a non-playing capacity. Team New Zealand announced their Olympic team a few weeks later, and Hirini had made the great.

It was an incredible comeback that will be talked about for years to come.

“Sarah is an incredibly special human, and we are stoked to have her as a part of this programme for the next two years,” Black Ferns Sevens coach Cory Sweeney added.

“On the field, she is one of the best in the world and off the field the mana she brings is unmatched.

“She is the ultimate professional and having her continue in this programme means the next generation of players will get to benefit by learning what it takes to achieve on the world stage from one of the best.”