Jorja Miller has recommitted to the Black Ferns Sevens and New Zealand Rugby through to the end of 2029.

Miller, who is based in Mount Maunganui during the Sevens season, is the reigning back-to-back World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year and 2024 Kel Tremain Memorial New Zealand Rugby Player.

She said she felt as motivated now as when she signed her first contract as a 19-year-old in 2022.

“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.”

Miller said she always wanted to change the game and had yet to do so.

“I have a lot more to pour into this jersey, and this legacy, and I’m excited about where it’s going to lead.”

She said her main commitment was to Black Ferns Sevens and doing “everything I can” to win the 2028 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 was also excited for next year’s inaugural British and Irish Lions women’s tour.

Jorja Miller has recommitted to the Black Ferns Sevens and New Zealand Rugby through to the end of 2029. Photo / Photosport

“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.”

Miller had clocked up 118 appearances and 11 tries for the Black Ferns Sevens at 22 years old.

She had also played seven tests for the Black Ferns in fifteens and was a central figure in the women’s game

Hailing from Timaru, Miller said she hoped her achievements would inspire young boys and girls from small towns to chase their dreams.

“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.”

She said the opportunities and support she received during school allowed her to be in the position she was 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 Miller had grown immensely through her career.

“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.”

New Zealand rugby player of the year Jorja Miller at Auckland's NZME office. Photo / Alyse Wright

New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Lancaster said Miller was an ambassador for rugby and inspired young girls and boys.

“To see someone who has grown up in Timaru, to become the best sevens player in the world, and in 2024 the best rugby player in New Zealand is an incredible achievement and shows her talent, commitment, and loyalty.

“We look forward to seeing what she can do through the next few years.”

New Zealand Rugby Sevens high-performance lead Hannah Porter said Miller had set the bar for women’s rugby during what had been a reasonably short career.

“The exciting part is she’s just getting started and no doubt there are bigger and better things to come in the black jersey through what is an exciting period for an expanding women’s rugby calendar.”