Jorja Miller

Born in Timaru in 2004, Jorja Miller developed a love of sport from an early age. She began playing rugby with Timaru Harlequins and grew up surrounded by a family with strong connections to the game. A talented all-round athlete, Jorja also competed in basketball, athletics and highland dancing.

Jorja attended Timaru Girls’ High School from 2017 until midway through 2019. During her time at TGHS, she made the most of every sporting opportunity and proudly represented the school in rugby, basketball, athletics, interschool competitions and tournament weeks. She was a member of Ngaio House and particularly enjoyed the competitive spirit of House sports and other school events.

Her rugby talent was already clear. Jorja captained junior teams for Timaru Harlequins, represented South Canterbury and was named Most Valuable Player at the 2017 South Island Secondary Schoolgirls Rugby Tournament.

In 2019, Jorja moved to Christchurch Girls’ High School as a boarder to pursue further opportunities in rugby. Later that year, she helped the school win the National Condor Sevens title, scoring four tries in the final, and was selected for the New Zealand Secondary Schools Girls Sevens team.

After finishing school, Jorja achieved her childhood dream of becoming a professional rugby player when she joined the Black Ferns Sevens programme. Following two knee surgeries, she made her international debut at the 2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens. She went on to be named World Rugby Women’s Sevens Rookie of the Year for the 2022–23 season.

In 2024, Jorja reached another major milestone when she represented New Zealand at the Paris Olympic Games and helped the Black Ferns Sevens win the gold medal.

Jorja’s journey from Timaru Girls’ High School to the Olympic podium reflects her talent, resilience and willingness to take every opportunity. She continues to inspire young athletes from Timaru and throughout New Zealand to work hard, dream boldly and believe that success on the world stage is possible.