Sarah Hirini

Sarah Hirini is widely regarded as one of the best rugby sevens players in the world. She is currently a flanker for the New Zealand Sevens team. Additionally, Hirini is a three-time Olympic medalist and she has represented the New Zealand 15s team.

 Born on 9 December 1992 in Feilding, New Zealand, Sarah Hirini is not the only successful sportsperson in her family. Her sister, Rachael Rakatau, plays rugby for the Manawatū Cyclones. Meanwhile her dad, Alan, was a champion shearer and her mum, Ronnie, was a master wool handler.

Hirini’s professional career began at Massey University. She attended the ‘Go for Gold’ initiative, which was designed to find sevens players for the 2016 Olympics. Hirini was a huge success and quickly accepted a one-year full-time contract. She became a part-time student and spent the next eight years completing her degree while competing on the international stage.

From here, Hirini became a stalwart for the Black Ferns Sevens. She was named vice-captain in the team’s first ever competition (the 2012 Oceania Women’s Sevens) and captained her first match at the age of 21 (at the 2014 Dubai Women’s Sevens). 

Since then, Hirini has contested some of the world's biggest sporting events. Her glittering career includes captaining New Zealand to three Olympic medals: silver in 2016 and back-to-back gold medals in 2020 and 2024. Her remarkable record also features two world titles (2013 and 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens) and a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. 

On top of this, Hirini has represented the national 15s team. She earned her first cap for the New Zealand rugby team in 2016. One year later, she won her first Rugby World Cup. She won her second world title in the XV-a-side game at the 2021 tournament.

Hirini’s trophy cabinet is rivalled by just one thing: her collection of prestigious awards. She was the first woman to win the Tom French Memorial Māori Player of the Year award. Additionally, she is a five-time nominee for the World Rugby Women’s 7s Player of the Year award.

Today, Sarah Hirini continues to dominate. As one of New Zealand Sevens’ most capped players, we can't wait to see what she achieves next.