Source: Radio New Zealand
The Black Ferns celebrate a try to Braxton Sorensen-McGee (C). Photosport
Teenage star Braxton Sorensen-McGee will chase glory in both sevens and fifteens after recommitting to New Zealand Rugby to the end of 2027.
The 19-year-old’s primary focus will be with the Black Ferns Sevens, but the new deal gives her the chance to also represent the Black Ferns.
Sorensen-McGee is in her debut season for the Black Ferns Sevens, who successfully defended their World Series title earlier this month.
She will make her return to fifteens through Super Rugby Aupiki, with the aim of joining the Blues Women’s squad from round two.
She will be available for the Black Ferns, who kick off their year with the O’Reilly Cup Test against Australia in Auckland in August.
Braxton Sorensen-McGee. www.photosport.nz
She could also be selected for the 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’s stoked to be able to continue in both codes.
“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.
“But I’ve also set some goals in fifteens 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 debuted for the Black Ferns in 2025 and was one of New Zealand’s best players at the women’s Rugby World Cup, where they finished third.
She won 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 World Sevens series.
Black Ferns Sevens Head Coach Cory Sweeney said Sorensen-McGee’s re-signing was great news.
“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.”
Braxton Sorensen-McGee scores against South Africa, 2025. www.photosport.nz
NZR head of women’s high performance Hannah Porter said it was nice to be able to come up with a deal that allowed Sorensen-McGee to play both sevens and fifteens.
“Braxton’s re-signing is 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.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand