Silver medal winning sevens players re-commit to NZ Rugby

Oct 17 • General News, International • 1973 Views • Comments Off on Silver medal winning sevens players re-commit to NZ Rugby

A core group of players who helped New Zealand win its first sevens Olympic medal have recommitted to New Zealand Rugby.

The eight Black Ferns Sevens players include captain Sarah Goss who led New Zealand to a silver medal winning performance at the recent Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Goss has signed through to 2018 making her available for Rugby World Cup 2018 in San Francisco and the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast that same year when women’s sevens makes its debut at the Games.

Other players re-signing are 2015 World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year Portia Woodman, Gayle Broughton, Kelly Brazier, Kayla McAlister, Ruby Tui, Terina te Tamaki and Niall Williams.

New Zealand Rugby General Manager Rugby Neil Sorensen said the retention of the players provided a solid foundation for the team under a new coach who will likely be appointed in November.

“We are very proud of the achievements of this team so it’s great news that a core group of players will be working hard to continue their track record of success.

“This is an inspiring group of very talented young athletes who have done much to grow the profile of the game. They have worn the black jersey with enormous pride all over the world.”

Sarah Goss said she was thrilled to be committing through to 2018.

“I love playing for the Black Ferns Sevens and having the opportunity to represent my country for two more years means everything to me.

“I’m looking forward to the World Series kicking off. As a team, we want to build on our success in Rio and now set our sights forward towards the Commonwealth Games and World Cup in 2018.”

The Black Ferns Sevens first Sevens Series tournament of the new season takes place in Dubai, beginning 1 December. New Zealand is in Pool B alongside, France, Ireland and Fiji.