Reigning World Rugby Sevens player of the year Jorja Miller has her eyes on LA Olympic gold after re-signing with New Zealand Rugby to the end of 2029.
Miller said she still has plenty to achieve with the Black Ferns Sevens.
“I feel like I’m still just scraping the surface, and I don’t feel like I’ve reached my potential of the best I can be, so I’ll continue to strive to be better as a teammate and as a leader and in whatever role I’m doing.
“I’ve always said I want to change the game and I know that in four years in the jersey I haven’t achieved that yet.”
Jorja Miller in action for the Black Ferns Sevens.
Photosport
Miller said her main goal is to help the Black Ferns Sevens defend their Olympic title in Los Angeles in 2028.
“For me, my main commitment is to Black Ferns Sevens and doing everything I can to win this next Olympic gold medal. Every day I wake up knowing what I want to do. I want to be able to inspire and influence our team to do what hasn’t been done before.”
Miller said while Olympic gold was her main focus, she said next year’s inaugural British and Irish Lions women’s tour was also something to look forward to, though she’s unsure if she will play for the Black Ferns XVs in 2027.
“I don’t know what that could look like for me at this stage, but having an exciting Lions tour coming to New Zealand and to play at home, that’s really exciting,” she said.
At 22, Miller has clocked up 118 appearances and 111 tries for the Black Ferns Sevens, as well as Seven Tests for the Black Ferns XVs.
Black Fern Braxton Sorensen-McGee celebrates a try with Jorja Miller.
©INPHO/Billy Stickland / PHOTOSPORT
From Timaru, Miller said she hoped her achievements would inspire young boys and girls to chase their dreams, especially those from small towns.
“It’s something I’m really proud of, being from Timaru and calling it home. It shows you don’t need to be from a big city to make it to the big time.
“The opportunities and support I got all the way through school allowed me to get there and be in the position I’m in today. It taught me a lot of values. You’ve got to work hard to get where you want to be.”
Black Ferns Sevens head coach Cory Sweeney said it was a major boost having Miller re-commit.
“Jorja has grown immensely through her career and although she’s still only 22, she has grown a lot as a leader.
“Her value to the group is both on and off the field, not just the tries she’s scoring and creating. It’s exciting to think she is just entering her prime and we’re thrilled she’s committed for another two years.”