JORJA MILLER

• 2024 Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Player of the Year
• 2024 Black Ferns 7s Player of the Year
• 2024 Black Ferns 7s Olympic Champion
• 2022 Black Ferns 7s
• 2021 Canterbury XV
• 2020 Ignite 7s - MVP
• 2019 CONDOR NZ 7s - MVP 

RNZ Sport 28 July 2024

World Rugby's rookie of the year Jorja Miller has set her sights on Olympic success alongside players she watched when she was at primary school.

The 20-year-old is the toast of Timaru - she is the current South Canterbury Sportsperson of the Year - and has the chance to seal the region's first ever gold medal.

The Black Ferns Sevens take on China overnight at 4am, then Canada at 7.30am.

South Canterbury has enjoyed some Olympic success over the last 16 years - track cyclist Marc Ryan (2008, 2012), shot putter Tom Walsh (2016, 2020) and trap shooter Natalie Rooney in 2016.

But it's been 88 years since it could claim a gold medallist - Jack Lovelock who went to Timaru Boys' High won the 1500m at the Berlin Olympics.

Miller recently signed a four-year contract with New Zealand Rugby which was "exciting and special", she says.

It also confirmed her right to be playing alongside the likes of legends Sarah Hirini and Portia Woodman-Wickliffe.

"I remember when I was at primary school I went down to Dunedin to see them and meet a few of them. That was really special and sparked a drive for me to play and be like them.

"So now to play with them, I give them a bit of banter for being old and they give it to me back."

However, she regards them as legends.

Her goals include winning Olympic gold as well as more world series titles after being part of the squad that won the 2023/2024 world series.

"I think I've got a lot more to give to this team so I'm excited to keep on going both on and off the field and see where that gets me."

Background:

• Born: in Timaru on 8 February 2004
• Growing up: Took up rugby early, playing with and against boys
• Educated: Timaru Girls' High, Christchurch Girls' High
• Influences: Dad Craig a club rugby stalwart, mum Tracey a South Canterbury rep
• Interests: Highland dancing, basketball
• Olympic event: Women's sevens

Achievements:

• Age-group representative for South Canterbury and South Island
• Named in NZ Condor sevens secondary schools' tournament team
• Played for Canterbury in Farah Palmer Cup
• First named for Black Ferns as a 17-year-old
• Part of Black Ferns world series winning team in 2023
• Won player of series several times at international sevens tournaments
• Named rookie of the year by World Rugby in 2023
• First woman signed to a four-year contract by New Zealand Rugby

Rugby focus early on

Miller is a talented highland dancer and hasn't given up hope of picking it up again after the Olympics.

However, she had high hopes to make her mark in rugby - so much so she left her home town to board in Christchurch in the hope of playing against stronger opposition.

Jorja Miller Photo: Supplied

She credits playing with and against boys up until her teens as being a major reason she doesn't mind the physicality of the sport.

Playing with boys "probably shaped me into the player I am .. my robustness, I guess,'' she told Stuff.

"I loved playing with the boys. When I moved to high school and had to play girls' rugby I was almost a bit bummed out."

As for the dancing, it "has added a lot to my game, especially with the stepping and agility", she says.

"Dancing is an individual sport and so you have to be determined and self motivated to train by yourself and do heaps of self-directed training which I think has certainly helped with my rugby."

Black Ferns sevens star Jorja Miller's path from Timaru rugby tyro to dancing and Olympics

Tony Smith July 6, 2024

Jorja Miller has a gold medal in her sights - and a potential Highland dancing comeback beckoning - as the rising Black Ferns rugby star gets set to fulfill an Olympic Games dream.

The 20-year-old sevens standout grew up in Timaru and is poised to extend South Canterbury’s proud recent record at world sport’s pinnacle event.

The province has produced a medallist at the last four Olympiads - track cyclist Marc Ryan in 2008 and 2012, shot putter Tom Walsh and trap shooter Natalie Rooney in 2016, and Walsh again at 2020 in Tokyo.

But South Canterbury hasn’t claimed an Olympic champion since Timaru-schooled men’s 1500m winner Jack Lovelock in 1936.

With the Black Ferns defending their Olympic title, Miller - the current South Canterbury sportsperson of the year - might become the region’s best gold medal bet yet.

Miller says the Olympics were always a personal goal when she was pursuing her twin passions of rugby and dancing in Timaru.

“The Olympics is the biggest sporting stage in the world. I remember at school being able to watch the Olympics in class time.

“Growing up as a kid, sevens wasn’t even in the Olympics. I don’t know what I would have been competing in, but I was always keen to head to the Olympics.”

Her selection in the Black Ferns’ Olympic squad was never in doubt - she was World Rugby’s sevens rookie of the year and a world champion in 2023 - but Miller says it is “pretty epic’’ to achieve her dream to go to the Olympics.

It’s fitting too that she will have strong family support in Paris. “My parents are going over, my brother, my aunty and my cousin, then my partner, Ollie Curtis, and his family.”

Miller was born to play rugby. Her father, Craig, had a record 229 senior games for Timaru club Harlequins, captained them to titles and represented South Canterbury. Her mother Tracey was also a South Canterbury women’s rep.

Their sons, Corin and Deon, were avid rugby players in their youth, so it was inevitable Jorja would follow in their sprig marks.

“When I was real young I was just dragged around to the brothers’ rugby and to Dad’s,’’ she says.

“It was natural that I picked up a rugby ball and started playing with my brothers and then ended up playing for Harlequins. I don’t remember ever having a choice, ‘do you want to play rugby?’, it just happened.

“It was cool to grow up and watch my dad play without knowing what was going on as much as I do now. I never saw Mum play, but she was pretty skilled, I guess.”

Craig Miller says rugby was a big part of their lives back then and Jorja just followed and picked it up from there.

He said she had good rugby vision with the “ability to see things on the field that other people don’t see before time”.

While her success has not been a surprise, he said Jorja had also worked really hard in everything she had done, from rugby to dancing and academics. “She always set a high limit and was very driven and competitive.”

Once Jorja began playing in boys’ teams, she soon had people at Harlequins taking notice, including Gareth Burgess, a longtime South Canterbury representative and teamamate of Craig Miller.

“She was obviously the best player in every one of those [junior] teams,’’ Burgess recalled. “You could tell right from the start that if she kept going on the same trajectory she showed back when she was four or five years old, she was going to go right to the top.

“The two kids that stood out the most at our club were Jorja and [the Crusaders’ former All Black backrower] Cullen Grace. They were next level in the way they tackled and run the ball. It was unreal, and great to watch.”

Miller ended up captaining her Harlequins club teams. “It was funny me being the only girl bossing around these boys.”

She became a South Canterbury junior grade representative and was selected as an openside flanker in South Island under-48kg and under-65kg tournament teams.

Playing with boys “probably shaped me into the player I am .. my robustness, I guess,’’ she believes, saying she thrived on the physicality and competitiveness.

“I loved playing with the boys. When I moved to high school and had to play girls rugby I was almost a bit bummed out.”

Burgess’ niece played with Miller at Timaru Girls’ High School and would often remark “if you’re not in Georgia’s team you don’t want to play against her”, she was so good.

While Miller remembers the mixed grade years as “honestly the best time ever’’, she knows some female rugby players who found it hard being accepted by boys.

“But my experience was the complete opposite.”

While she was making an obvious mark on junior footy fields, Miller remained committed to Highland dancing, which was “equal alongside rugby’’.

“I could never really decide. I didn’t want to choose one or the other. I remember going from dancing competitions on a Saturday to rugby and then back to dancing.”

Sometimes it meant a quick clean-up to make sure there was no residual rugby mud. “Mum made sure she brought a flannel. We’d be outside the dancing hall and I’d be wiping my legs with the tap water. I wouldn’t go back there in a kilt with dirty knees.”

Dancing was “definitely a big part of my life, and I think I can credit a lot of my rugby and the style that I play to dancing [through] agility, footwork, being able to move in different sorts of ways, being able to stay on my toes, leg strength and all of that.”

Miller followed her mother and grandmother into dancing and won national age-group titles, competing through to the under-18 grade.

By then, she had left Timaru to board at Christchurch Girls’ High School and play in a more competitive first XV.

She made the New Zealand Condor Sevens secondary schools tournament team and was also named in Canterbury’s Farah Palmer Cup 15s squad, playing in the 2021 final. But a knee injury kept her away from rugby and dancing for the next six months as she rehabbed after two operations.

Then a national sevens contract followed in 2022. Dancing had to go on hold.

“Even to this day I really miss dancing, so I’m keen to pick that back up after the Olympics, all going to plan.” She believes dancing will provide both physical and mental benefits.

Miller is now a big name on the global sevens stage, helping the Black Ferns win the world title in her first season.

She signed a four-year contract - the longest awarded to a New Zealand women’s rugby player at the time - with NZ Rugby in 2023 and sees sevens as her immediate home.

“One day, I’d like to win a Rugby World Cup with the Black Ferns if that opportunity arises, but I'm definitely in no rush… I’m really excited with what the next wee while holds for sevens. I’m going with the flow at the moment, but I definitely haven’t closed any doors.”

If she does switch to 15s, Miller would be a backrower - it’s in the family’s DNA. “Hopefully, an openside flanker. I tried the midfield, but I was too far away from the ball and the action so I got a bit bored.”

While Miller now lives in Mount Maunganui where the Black Ferns are based, she went home to Timaru last weekend a few days before flying to France.

The supportive South Canterbury community has “100%’’ shaped her. “When I moved to the big city for boarding school, I really missed home. You now a lot of people around [Timaru], it’s a really cool community. I’m very proud to be from there and represent them internationally.”

Gareth Burgess says despite her global seven superstar status, Miller remains “a really good human who still keeps in touch with all of her friends’’.

While she’s won several player of the series awards on the sevens circuit, the Olympics remains the big ticket goal for Miller.

“I feel like it hasn’t really sunk in yet. It doesn’t feel quite real and I don’t know if it will until we’re in the village mix and mingling with everyone, but nah, I’m really excited to head away with the girls.”

She has joined a squad with seven survivors from the Tokyo Olympics gold medal team and is motivated to maintain the record. The women’s sevens competition starts on Monday, July 29 (NZT).

“Obviously we want to win that gold, and we’ve got more reason to do with players like Portia [Woodman-Wickliffe] retiring. We want to do her justice for what she’s done for this team and this game.

“That’s something that’s going to be pushing us, so we can send her out on a high.”

“To bring that gold home and be able to share it around with our communities, would be pretty epic, and I’m sure inspiring, as it was for me when I was younger.”

THE PRESS

Jorja Miller confirms long-term contract with Black Fern Sevens

The Timaru Herald: Doug Sail November 17, 2023

Rising sevens star Jorja Miller has committed to the longest contract signed by a woman in New Zealand rugby as she eyes more glory on the world circuit and a shot at Olympic gold.

The South Canterbury-raised 19-year-old's four-year contract commits her to New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and the Black Ferns Sevens through to 2027.

Miller burst onto the international scene with her selection in the Black Ferns Sevens for the Rugby World Cup Sevens in September 2022.

She featured in all seven World Series tournaments through 2022-23, was named in the tournament dream team on four occasions, and was also named player of the final in Sydney.

She was also named Rookie of the Year by World Rugby.

Born and bred in Timaru, Miller's first taste of rugby was for the Harlequins club, and she moved from Timaru Girls’ High to Christchurch Girls’ High for her last two seasons of school in searching for a higher level of play.

"I've got a lot of big goals I want to sort of off within this next four years," Miller said.

"The Olympics are a massive goal.

"The Olympics are, I guess, the pinnacle of all pinnacles.

"To be able to, hopefully, be selected for that team will be massive. Just to wear that fern on my chest with the Olympic rings will be pretty special, but I know I've still got a lot of work between now and then, so definitely a big goal."

As she prepared for the first tournaments of the upcoming season, in Dubai (December 2-3) and Cape Town (December 9-10), Miller said it was special to know she would be part of the side for the next four years.

“We’ve got such a big legacy in this team, so being part of continuing that by locking in a long-term contract shows the pathway that there is in the women’s game,” she said.

"It's been with the men's for so long, so for me to be able to do it, I think is just testament to the effort and the pathways the older girls have paved, both in 15s and sevens, and I think us women deserve it, so it will be cool to see, hopefully in the future, the other girls getting longer term contracts and committing to New Zealand Rugby.

“I’ve got a lot more to give to this team and this game. I’m excited to keep growing on and off the field and I have a drive to really change the game. I want to bring a different style and be a different athlete.

"I think, like every day in our environment, there are so many opportunities to grow, both on and off the field, and I think, to be surrounded by the big players of the game who have so much knowledge is one of the best ways I’ve found to I guess grow.

"If you are around them, they just have so much knowledge which they are willing to share. But everyone has got their own little things they like to tick off daily."

She said she had no injuries, was feeling fit and ready to go.

"I've had a really good pre-season with the girls which has been quite long, so it has been good to get our fitness back up and feeling ready and fit.”

She returned to Timaru when time allowed, to see her family.

"I get home during our break. We get a six-to-eight week break and I usually head home for a couple of weeks at Christmas and mum and dad usually travel around a bit, so just wherever we cross paths really."

On the 15-a-side game, she said: "I think, at this stage, and for the near future, that sevens is my main priority, but the 15s doors aren't closed yet.”

'Always destined to wear black': Timaru's Jorja Miller named in Black Ferns Sevens World Cup squad

31 August 2022 - Timaru Herlad Yashas Srinivasa

Timaru’s Jorja Miller has been named in the Black Ferns sevens squad to play at the Sevens World Cup.

The All Blacks sevens and Black Ferns sevens squads were named on Wednesday, as the New Zealand teams head to South Africa as reigning champions after each winning the past two Sevens World Cups in San Francisco, in 2018, and Moscow, in 2013.

Miller, who signed a contract to join the squad late last year, was on her way to South Africa when The Timaru Herald contacted her on Wednesday so did not have time to talk.

However, Timaru Harlequins Rugby Football Club life member Gareth Burgess said the club was “extremely proud” of Miller’s journey from playing for the club at a young age to representing New Zealand.

“She was always destined to wear black,” Burgess said.

“She always had an eye on the Black Ferns squad. It is such a thrill for her to make it to the biggest sevens tournament in the world.”

Burgess said Miller always trained harder and longer than most, and always wanted to be better at the game.

“She was always a humble kid who had an end goal.

“Having an end goal will drive you to achieve it. She ticked all the boxes and put herself out there, and now she is reaping the rewards of the hard work she put in.”

Miller left Timaru Girls’ High School and moved to Christchurch Girls’ High in 2019, with the goal of making the Black Ferns sevens team.

“After watching the sevens on the world stage at the Olympics, I thought it was a cool thing to be a part of and started aiming my goals towards there,” she told The Timaru Herald in January.

Miller started playing rugby when she was 4 years old and did not know there was a Black Ferns team back then.

“So, I always wanted to be an All Black but then I found out there was a Black Ferns team and I was pretty keen to make it into it.”

She said the support from her family and parents along with her own hard work and the skills she learned as a competitive Highland dancer, had all helped her get to where she is now.

Nathan-Wong out as injuries hamper NZ Sevens World Cup squads

31 August 2022 - Brodyn Knuckey, Digital Sport Reporter

The Black Ferns Sevens and All Blacks Sevens have named their squads for next month's World Cup title defences in South Africa with both teams missing some big names due to injuries.

For the Black Ferns Sevens, the biggest omission is long-time playmaker Tyla Nathan-Wong who has been listed as unavailable due to injury after her debut for the Black Ferns in the 15-a-side game earlier this month against Australia was cut short by an HIA check.

Shakira Baker and Tysha Ikenasio were also listed as injured.

Among those named, captain Sarah Hirini will celebrate a special milestone in South Africa as she becomes the first Black Ferns Sevens player to reach the milestone of 50 tournaments for the side.

At the other end of the experience spectrum will be Canterbury's Jorja Miller with the 18-year-old named to make her debut in the black jersey.

"The team is surrounded by some really good energy at the moment," coach Cory Sweeney said.

"We can all jump on board and be inspired if its about the first tournament or the 50th tournament – it will be important for the players to express themselves and enjoy this moment."

Sweeney added the team were particularly excited for Miller who had been marked for the black jersey for years.

"We’ve watched Jorja since she was 15 years old and she’s been a stand out amongst her peers.

"We had internal games last week and there was no question, she stood up and really earned her selection."

Rugby Sevens: All Blacks Sevens, Black Ferns Sevens name strong sides for World Cup threepeat attempts.

31 August 2022 - Newshub

The All Blacks Sevens and Black Ferns Sevens have named their respective squads, as both aim to defend their Rugby World Cup Sevens titles at Cape Town, South Africa.

Both New Zealand sides are bidding to win the World Cup for the third straight time, after victories at Moscow 2013 and San Francisco 2018.

Fresh from victory at the Los Angeles Sevens last weekend, the All Blacks Sevens squad sees eight players unavailable through injury.

Regulars Tim Mikkelson, Joe Webber and Andrew Knewstubb are all unavailable, joined in the casualty ward by Rhodes Featherstone, Kitiona Vai, Leroy Cater, Roderick Solo and Che Clark.

Sam Dickson and Sione Molia have been named as co-captains, in an experienced squad that also contains veterans Scott Curry and Kurt Baker.

The squad blends a healthy dose of youth with that experience, with youngers Brady Rush (23) and Caleb Tangitau (19) also featuring.

Black Ferns Sevens captain Sarah Hirini will play her 50th tournament for New Zealand, among a familiar cast of players.

A core of veterans, including Michaela Blyde, Kelly Brazier, Niall Williams and Portia Woodman, give the side an experienced group of winners, even with Black Ferns 15s convert Tyla Nathan-Wong unavailable through injury.

Teenager Jorja Miller (18) has also been named for her first tournament, after being on the selectors' radar since her early teens.

The Rugby World Cup Sevens uses a knockout format, with the New Zealand sides to play a sudden-death encounter first-up in the hopes of reaching the quarter-finals.

The All Blacks Sevens face the winners of Scotland and Jamaica in their first match, while the Black Ferns Sevens will begin against Colombia. 

All Blacks Sevens: Kurt Baker, Dylan Collier, Scott Curry, Sam Dickson (cc), Moses Leo, Ngarohi McGarvey-Black, Sione Molia (cc), Tone Ng Shiu, Amanaki Nicole, Lewis Ormond, Akuila Rokolisoa, Brady Rush, Caleb Tangitau, Regan Ware

Black Ferns Sevens: Michaela Blyde, Kelly Brazier, Stacey Fluhler, Sarah Hirini, Jazmin Felix-Hotham, Shiray Kaka, Jorja Miller, Risaleeana Pouri-Lane, Alena Saili, Niall Williams, Tenika Willison, Portia Woodman 

Jorja Miller signs contract to join Black Ferns Sevens squad

16 JANUARY 2022 - Timaru Herlad, Yashas Srinivasa