MAIA ROOS RE-SIGNS THROUGH END OF 2029

Black Ferns lock Maiakawanakaulani Roos has recommitted to the Blues and New Zealand Rugby through to the end of 2029.

The 24-year-old’s new contract locks in one of the Black Ferns most experienced and durable players, and with 41 Test caps already the ninth most capped Black Fern of all time.

“Representing the Black Ferns and the Blues is something I never take for granted, so I’m incredibly grateful to continue my journey with both teams for the next three years,” Roos said.

“I’ve truly grown up in these environments. They’ve played a huge role in shaping me as a person, player and leader. I’m excited to continue learning, evolving and serving the teams that have given so much to me, while doing my part to contribute to their legacies.”

Roos has also become the first Black Fern to align her contract with her Super Rugby Aupiki club, meaning she will remain with the Blues for the next three seasons.

The former Tamaki College head girl represented Auckland while still at school and has gone on to play every minute of her 24 matches for the Blues since her debut in 2021.

nib Blues head coach Willie Walker said it was exciting to see Roos re-commit long term.

“This is a significant milestone for the club in terms of our future,” Walker said.

“Maia has been with us from the start, so to have that stability with her desire to stay with the Blues and keep growing alongside us is pretty special. She’s made a huge contribution to how our programme has grown and we are excited to see that continue.”

Since her debut on the international stage against England in 2021, Roos has played in 38 of 40 Black Ferns Tests, including every Test in the 2023 and 2024 seasons. 

Her consistency in 2022 earned a nomination for World Rugby’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year and a year later she became the youngest player to captain the Black Ferns against the United States in Ottawa.

Black Ferns head coach Whitney Hansen reinforced her support for Roos.

“Maia is someone who consistently puts the team first and leads from the front through her actions. She has stamped her mark as a prominent figure within the Black Ferns Tight 5 make-up, through consistent dominant performances,” Hansen added.

“She has achieved a lot at a young age, and I’m excited about what’s ahead for her as she has the qualities to become a Black Fern who’s influence reaches far beyond the field, with the ability to connect and uplift our environment and more widely her community.”