Most respected Rugby women’s player Sarah Hirini
Sarah Hirini is one of the most respected athletes in international women’s rugby. Known for her leadership, determination, and strong playing style, she has become a key figure in New Zealand’s national rugby teams. Over the years, she has helped her country win Olympic medals, World Cup titles, and multiple international championships.
As the captain of the New Zealand Women’s Sevens rugby team, Hirini has inspired many young athletes around the world. Her journey from a small town in New Zealand to becoming one of the most decorated players in rugby history is both inspiring and remarkable.
This article explores her full life story—from her birth and childhood to her career achievements, family life, and estimated net worth in 2025.
Early Life and Background
Sarah Hirini was born on December 9, 1992, in the town of Feilding, located in the Manawatū region of New Zealand. At birth, her name was Sarah Goss, and she later adopted the surname Hirini after marriage.
She grew up in a rural environment surrounded by agriculture and sports culture. Her childhood was strongly influenced by her parents’ dedication to their work and competitive spirit.
Sarah’s father, Alan Goss, was a well-known competitive shearer who won the Golden Shears intermediate title in 1985, a prestigious award in New Zealand’s shearing industry. Her mother, Ronnie Goss, was also highly accomplished, becoming a champion wool handler and winning many competitions across the country.
Because of her parents’ achievements in competitive events, Sarah grew up in a household where discipline, dedication, and hard work were part of daily life. These values later played a major role in shaping her sporting career.
She also has a sister, Rachael Rakatau, who became a rugby player as well and competed in New Zealand’s Farah Palmer Cup competition.
Childhood and Upbringing
Sarah spent most of her childhood in the Oroua Valley, a rural area near Feilding. Growing up in this farming community helped develop her strong physical fitness and resilience.
During her early years, she was involved in several activities, including shearing competitions alongside her brother. Although she later focused on rugby, these experiences built her competitive mindset and physical toughness.
Interestingly, rugby was not the first sport she loved. As a young girl, Sarah initially played field hockey, and rugby started almost by accident. Around the age of 13, she attended rugby trials with friends and realized that the sport suited her perfectly.
From that moment, rugby quickly became her main passion.
Education
Sarah attended Feilding High School, where she developed her rugby skills and became a key member of the school’s girls’ rugby team. During her time there, she showed exceptional leadership and talent.
In 2010, she captained the Manawatū Secondary School Girls team, which won the regional competition without conceding a single point during the tournament.
After finishing high school, Sarah received a scholarship to attend Massey University. There, she studied Māori studies and sports science.
However, balancing academics and professional rugby was challenging. When she was selected for the national sevens team, her studies had to be completed part-time. After several years of dedication, she successfully graduated with a degree in Māori studies.
Rugby Career Beginnings
Sarah Hirini’s professional rugby journey started during her teenage years.
She first played for the Manawatū Secondary School team, where she quickly gained attention for her strength, speed, and tactical intelligence. Her leadership skills also began to emerge during this period.
After finishing school, she joined the Feilding Old Boys Oroua Rugby Club, where she continued developing as a player.
Around the same time, she represented several teams, including:
-
Manawatū Women’s Provincial team
-
Aotearoa Māori Sevens team
These early experiences helped her gain valuable competitive experience and exposure in national rugby circles.
Rise to International Rugby
Sarah’s big breakthrough came when she joined the New Zealand Women’s National Rugby Sevens Team, widely known as the Black Ferns Sevens.
Her performances quickly made her one of the team’s most reliable players. Her ability to tackle, defend, and control the pace of the game helped establish her reputation as a powerful forward.
In 2013, she became one of the first women to receive a professional rugby contract in New Zealand. This milestone marked the beginning of a new era for women’s rugby in the country.
Over time, she became the captain of the Black Ferns Sevens and led the team to several international victories.
Olympic Achievements
One of the most important chapters in Sarah Hirini’s career has been her success at the Olympic Games.
2016 Rio Olympics
Sarah captained the New Zealand women’s rugby sevens team at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
The team performed exceptionally well and reached the final, ultimately winning a silver medal.
2020 Tokyo Olympics
At the 2020 Summer Olympics, the Black Ferns Sevens delivered an outstanding performance. Under Sarah’s leadership, the team won the gold medal, defeating France in the final.
2024 Paris Olympics
Sarah continued her Olympic success at the 2024 Summer Olympics, where New Zealand once again secured the gold medal.
These achievements made her one of the most successful rugby sevens players in Olympic history.
Rugby World Cup Success
In addition to her Olympic triumphs, Sarah Hirini has also achieved major success in the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
She played an important role in New Zealand’s victories in:
-
2017 Rugby World Cup
-
2021 Rugby World Cup
During these tournaments, she demonstrated outstanding leadership and helped guide the Black Ferns to world championship titles.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout her career, Sarah Hirini has received many honors and awards.
In 2019, she was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her contributions to rugby and sport in the country.
She has also been nominated multiple times for the World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year Award.
Career Milestone
A major moment in 2019 further strengthened her reputation in international rugby. That year, she made history by becoming the first woman rugby player to appear in 200 matches in the World Rugby Sevens Series. This achievement demonstrated her consistency, endurance, and long-term contribution to the sport.
Such accomplishments underline the significant role she has played in shaping the growth and success of women’s rugby worldwide.
Height and Weight
Sarah Hirini possesses the strength, agility, and stamina required to perform at the highest level of professional rugby.
Her approximate physical statistics are:
-
Height: around 1.68 meters (5 feet 6 inches)
-
Weight: roughly 72 kilograms (159 pounds)
Her athletic build, combined with strong conditioning and training, enables her to handle the physical challenges of the forward position, which demands both power and endurance during matches.
Husband and Personal Life
In January 2019, Sarah Hirini married Conor Hirini. Before her marriage, she was widely known by her maiden name, Sarah Goss. After the wedding, she decided to adopt her husband’s family name.
Their relationship is often described as supportive and collaborative, with both partners involved in the world of sports. Conor Hirini has also worked in rugby as a coach, which means the couple shares a deep understanding of the demands and dedication required in professional athletics.
In 2025, Sarah shared the news that she was expecting her first child. Because of this exciting life event, she planned to step away from part of the international rugby sevens schedule during that period.
Cultural Identity
Sarah Hirini takes great pride in her Māori heritage. She is affiliated with the Ngāti Kahungunu, one of the largest Māori tribal groups in the country.
Her cultural background plays an important role in shaping her personal values and professional outlook. She frequently speaks about the importance of representing her people and inspiring young Māori athletes through sport.
Her academic studies also reflected this commitment. During her university years, she explored Māori culture and traditions, reinforcing her dedication to protecting and celebrating her heritage.
Life Outside Rugby
Away from the rugby pitch, Sarah Hirini has pursued a variety of interests and personal achievements.
One particularly impressive accomplishment was earning her private pilot’s license in 2021, something that required years of training and determination.
In addition to aviation, she has become known as a motivational speaker and leadership mentor. By sharing her journey and lessons from professional sport, she inspires students, young athletes, and sports organizations.
Through her training programs and speaking engagements, she encourages aspiring players to remain dedicated to their goals and believe in their potential.
Net Worth in 2025
By 2025, the estimated net worth of Sarah Hirini is believed to be around $5 million.
Her earnings come from multiple professional activities, including:
-
Professional rugby contracts
-
Sponsorship and endorsement deals
-
Speaking events and motivational seminars
-
Media appearances and interviews
-
Rugby training and development initiatives
Historically, female athletes in rugby earned less compared to players in some other major sports. However, the increasing popularity of women’s rugby has opened more financial opportunities for elite players like Hirini.
Legacy and Influence
Sarah Hirini is widely viewed as one of the most influential figures in the history of women’s rugby.
Her leadership skills, relentless work ethic, and consistent performances have helped raise the global profile of the women’s game. She has demonstrated that dedication and teamwork can lead to extraordinary achievements.
Many young rugby players across New Zealand and around the world consider her a role model. She represents more than just athletic excellence—she also embodies perseverance, respect, and strong leadership.
Her career highlights include Olympic medals, world championship victories, and a remarkable journey from a small rural community to international sporting recognition.
The life story of Sarah Hirini shows how passion and determination can transform dreams into reality. Growing up in rural New Zealand, she worked tirelessly to develop her abilities and eventually became one of the leading figures in world rugby.
With Olympic triumphs, World Cup success, and numerous personal milestones, she has firmly secured her place among the greatest athletes in the sport’s history.
More importantly, her influence goes far beyond the rugby field. Through her leadership and inspiring journey, Sarah Hirini continues to motivate fans and future athletes around the world. Her contributions to women’s rugby will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact for many years to come.