Braxton Sorensen-McGee re-signs with New Zealand Rugby to the end of 2027

Braxton Sorensen-McGee has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby until the end of 2027. Photo / Photosport

Braxton Sorensen-McGee has set her course for the next two years.

The reigning World Rugby Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year has recommitted to New Zealand Rugby through to the end of 2027, with the Black Ferns Sevens being her primary focus.

The two-year extension will however allow the 19-year-old to pursue opportunities in the 15-a-side game with the Black Ferns in 2026.

She will make her return to 15s through Super Rugby Aupiki, with the aim of joining the Blues Women’s squad from round two, and will be available for the Black Ferns later in the year, starting with the O’Reilly Cup Test against Australia in Auckland in August.

Other opportunities will include an historic clash against the Springbok Women’s team in Johannesburg in September, October’s three-test home series against France and an end-of-year Northern tour.

Sorensen-McGee said she was grateful for the opportunity to continue growing her game in both formats.

“I’ve been loving my first season with the Black Ferns Sevens and the opportunity to play on the World Series with my sevens’ sisters. This environment has helped me grow so much as a player and as a person, and I’m excited about what’s still ahead,” she said.

“But I’ve also set some goals in 15s and feel like I’ve got more to offer in the Blues and Black Ferns jerseys. I’m looking forward to challenging myself in both formats and doing everything I can to contribute to those teams.”

Sorensen-McGee quickly made her mark on the world stage in both codes. She debuted for the Black Ferns in 2025, starred at the Rugby World Cup and earned World Rugby’s Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year award, before going on to make her Black Ferns Sevens debut during the 2025–26 season.

Black Ferns Sevens head coach Cory Sweeney said Sorensen-McGee’s re-signing is a strong endorsement of the programme and her potential.

“Braxton is an exciting athlete and an important member of our environment, so we’re thrilled to have her recommit through to the end of 2027.

“She has a strong skillset, a real competitive edge and a huge appetite to learn. What’s especially pleasing is her desire to keep growing, and this contract gives her the ability to do that while maintaining her core focus with the Black Ferns Sevens.”

NZR Head of Women’s High Performance Hannah Porter said the extension reflected a continued commitment to supporting players to fulfil their potential.

“Braxton’s re-signing is a great example of how we can provide flexibility for our leading female athletes to pursue their goals across the year.

“Her primary commitment remains with the Black Ferns Sevens, but we’re delighted we can also create opportunities for her to contribute to the Black Ferns programme during an important international season and reconnect with the Blues Women in Super Rugby Aupiki.

“That ability to support dual aspirations is a real strength of our women’s high-performance system, and Braxton is a young player with a very bright future.”