Jorja Miller tackles the Olympics

By Nadia Shaw-Owens, Photo: NZR

“We will see the continued rise of women’s sport – both in interest and increased visibility. In rugby, we’ll keep seeing growth in participation numbers for women and girls as more and more are exposed to the game.”

Every headline about Jorja Miller agrees that she is a champion, rising star, wizard, and prodigy. At four years old, Miller dreamed of becoming an All Black, but upon the realisation that this wasn’t an option, she switched her sights to the Black Ferns. Miller was born in Timaru in 2004, to both a rugby-playing and a highland-dancing family – which may sound like an unusual mix – but Miller’s champion skills in both passions give her an edge on the pitch. The explosive and powerful footwork in dancing translates into agility and dexterity in rugby, and may be Miller’s secret weapon to becoming a leading name in her sport.
Miller signed a contract to join the Black Ferns Sevens squad in 2022, and competed in every game in the Women’s Sevens Series that year. By the end of the season, Miller was named in four separate tournament dream teams, crowned player of the final, and then the Rookie of the Year by World Rugby. Miller’s climb from strength to strength was rewarded with the longest contract ever signed by a woman in our nation’s rugby history – commitment until 2027 – a milestone achievement for women’s rugby that paints an exciting future for the game. This year is huge for Miller, who, if selected, will be travelling to Paris to defend our gold from Tokyo 2020. Godspeed!

What is…

A challenge you overcame in 2023?

For me it was getting back on the field following a significant knee surgery in 2022. I was focused on getting my form back and trying to perform at a high level in the Sevens team. It ended up being a special season for me and our team, winning the Sevens World Series and for me being named World Rugby’s Rookie of the Year.

A professional goal for the upcoming year?

2024 is set to be a big year professionally for my teammates and I. We have the Sevens World Series with eight tournaments and the Olympic Games in Paris, where we’ll be looking to defend our World Series title and Olympic Gold medal. For me, I want to continue to progress this season off the back of last year and making the selection for the Olympic Sevens squad is a key focus. I’ve never been to an Olympics before – that would be pretty special!

A trend you anticipate seeing in your industry this year?

Off the back of the last two years where we’ve held three World Cups (Cricket, Rugby and Football) here in New Zealand. We will see the continued rise of women’s sport – both in interest and increased visibility. In rugby, I think we’ll keep seeing growth in participation numbers for women and girls as more and more are exposed to the game. From a youth perspective, when I was younger starting out, the teams were primarily all boys playing. Now you have all-girls teams coming through the different school grade competitions, which is really epic to see.

A piece of advice for women wanting to start in your industry?

Whether it’s those looking to play rugby competitively or even those maybe wanting to get involved with a social team, I’d say don’t be afraid to give rugby a go. It’s a really fun sport and one where you can express yourself freely and make good friends while doing it.

Read the full article in Volume 2 of WOMAN Magazine, on sale until 27 May 2024.