Former All Black Jamie Joseph’s daughter is poised to follow in her father’s footsteps as she prepares to make her debut for New Zealand’s national women’s rugby team, the Black Ferns.
Maia Joseph, selected as the starting halfback for her inaugural appearance against the United States in Hamilton this Saturday, represents a new generation of talent. Joining her in the squad is uncapped lock Maama Vaipulu, while five-eighth Hannah King anticipates her first international match from the bench.
Maia’s inclusion in the team adds to the family’s rich rugby heritage. Her father, Jamie Joseph, a former All Black renowned for his toughness on the field, later found success as a coach in Super Rugby and led Japan to a historic quarter-final at the 2019 World Cup.
The Joseph family legacy extends further, with Jamie’s father, Jim, also making his mark in high-tier rugby for the New Zealand Maori.
Maia’s own journey to the national stage includes recent recognition as the rookie-of-the-year for her club Matatu in New Zealand’s premier women’s domestic competition, Super Rugby Aupiki. Despite her family ties to the sport, Maia credits her father for providing invaluable advice, particularly in navigating the mental aspects of professional rugby.
The Black Ferns, reigning world champions and a powerhouse in women’s rugby, are set to clash with Canada and Australia in the Pacific Four series this month, with a showdown against the Wallaroos scheduled for May 25th in Auckland.”
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