Black Ferns Sevens Star Risi Pouri-Lane Extends New Zealand Rugby Tenure Through 2028

Black Ferns Sevens captain Risi Pouri-Lane commits to New Zealand Rugby through 2028, securing her future for the Los Angeles Olympic Games.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 25, 2026, 5:00 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from RugbyPass

Strategic Foundation for Los Angeles 2028

The Black Ferns Sevens have secured a vital piece of their future puzzle as Risi Pouri-Lane officially extends her stay in New Zealand through 2028. This long-term commitment follows the recent re-signing of Manaia Nuku, signaling a clear strategy by New Zealand Rugby to lock down a core group of elite athletes for the next Olympic cycle. According to team management, Pouri-Lane’s decision to remain with the program provides essential stability as the squad looks to maintain its global dominance following a period of significant veteran turnover.

Architect of Global Series Dominance

Pouri-Lane’s influence on the pitch has been a primary driver behind the team's current position at the summit of the HSBC SVNS Series standings. Under her leadership, the Black Ferns have secured tournament victories in Dubai, Singapore, and Perth during the 2025-26 campaign. According to performance analysts, her transition from being the youngest ever full-time contracted player at age 17 to a dual Olympic gold medalist has been defined by a rare tactical maturity that allows her to control the tempo of high-stakes finals against rivals like Australia.

Crossover Success and World Cup Impact

The versatile playmaker’s value is not limited to the sevens circuit, as evidenced by her significant contributions to the 15-a-side game during the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England. Pouri-Lane started four matches during the tournament, playing a pivotal role in New Zealand's third-place finish. This ability to excel in both formats highlights her status as one of the most complete rugby players in the world, further justifying the union's investment in her long-term retention amidst an increasingly competitive global market.