Be the Inspiration: NZ Women's Sevens

Strength As A Team

Strength in numbers is a central chapter in the incredible success story of the New Zealand Womens Sevens team.

As the team spends so much time together - training and playing on the world circuit theyve dominated for so long - they place huge importance on forging a strong bond. They consider themselves to be a family sisters on and off the field.

Sevens players Ruby Tui and Sarah Goss say team culture in their foundation. The women train for each other, have each others backs and take their responsibilities in the team seriously.  Its crucial that everyone is on the same page, and sharing the same vision.

Values are really important in our team, says Goss. Right from the beginning when we created our culture, they were a big part of it. We created our own vision, so we are all emotionally invested in our cause.

The teams vision is to take enjoyment out of being part of the team, to be honest, and to make the pass to have courage and focus on the little things. They also envisage being like a honey badger fearless, calculating and never backing down.

We have a family environment, says Tui. Whenever we got to training, theres always laughter, its always loud, and that definitely shows when we play and train.

And like with any family, when theres a breakdown in the teams culture, or when issues arise within the team, its all about having honest conversations, and then growing from it.

The New Zealand Womens Sevens have won all three world series crowns since the competition began in 2012, and head into the 2016 Rio Olympic Games as the reigning world champions, after winning the World Cup final in 2013. Despite their all-out favourites status, they never take anything for granted.

Sharing the same passion for the sport and sharing the dream of playing at the Olympics makes the team even closer. We want the same results, and thats what drives us, says Tui.

They see training together almost every day as a benefit building strong relationships and an understanding of each other, on and off the rugby field.

A strong management core is also key to their achievements. If theres an area of their game that they perceive as a weakness, theyll focus on it until it becomes a strength.  They hold each other accountable, pushing the whole team as a unit, while embracing the diverse sets of skills within their number.

The womens sevens are inspired by their love of rugby, New Zealands national sporting code, and are determined to make sure its not seen as only a mans sport. 

The Olympic dream has completely changed rugby in New Zealand, says Tui. Now a New Zealand girl watching us on TV can have a job. It was our dream as kids to train and get paid now its possible. Its changed a lot of lives, and it will continue to do so.