Sarah Hirini is one of the most well-respected and feared players in international rugby. As captain of the Black Ferns sevens team, she has built a reputation as an outstanding leader, hard-working forward and humble character. 

Since becoming New Zealand Rugby’s first contracted professional female player in 2013, Sarah’s career has gone from strength to strength, resulting in numerous accolades and a bulging trophy cabinet. 

Sarah led New Zealand to Olympic Gold at the Tokyo Games, following their silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, Bronze at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and a total of six World Series Sevens titles. The four-time Rugby World Cup Champion became the first player on the women’s World Sevens Series to play 200 matches and was the first woman to win the Tom French Memorial Māori player of the year at the New Zealand Rugby awards. Sarah’s standing at the top of the game has also been recognised as a four time nominee for World Rugby’s sevens player of the year.

Sarah, who is of Ngāti Kahungunu descent, was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to rugby, in the 2019 Queen’s Birthday Honours.