Maia Joseph (second from the right) had the dream of representing Aotearoa in the Women's Rugby World Cup, this dream became reality recently and she was able to fulfil it alongside some of Rugby’s brightest stars.
Ko kurahaupo me tainui ōku waka,
Ko Tapuae o Uenuku me Te Wira ōku maunga,
Ko Wairau me Mangapu ōku awa,
Ko Rangitāne, Ngāti Rarua, Ngāti Maniopoto ōku iwi,
Ko Wairau me Ngāti kinohaku ōku hapu
Ko Oparure me Ūkaipō ōku marae
Ko Maia tōku ingoa
Nō Wairau ahau
-Pepeha of Maia Joseph
After completing her third year of medical school at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka, Maia Joseph (Rāngitane, Ngāti Rarua, Ngāti Maniopoto) put her studies on hold to pursue her rugby dreams.
She recently returned from representing New Zealand at the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England and now has her sights set on her other dream of becoming a doctor.
“I really love both rugby and medicine, it has been difficult the last two years stepping away from medical school to pursue my Black Ferns and Rugby World Cup dream, but I am extremely excited to return to the University of Otago and continue my studies,” Maia says.
Balancing her studies with a professional rugby career has its challenges, however Maia finds joy in this, and loves taking them head on.
“In my first three years of medical school juggling the Otago Spirit, taking time away to attend Black Ferns camps, and rehabbing my knee after reconstruction surgery, was definitely busy, but they were also some of the best years of my life.”
As much as playing for the Black Ferns was a dream of Maia’s, so is studying at Otago University and becoming a doctor.
“I chose medicine for many reasons. Firstly, I am really interested in the human body, so I really enjoy it. More personally, I have always wanted to become a doctor to help my immediate and wider Māori whānau who are not currently served to the best extent by the health system.”
Maia was born in Wellington but moved to Dunedin while still in primary school. Dunedin is home for her, but Blenheim and Port Underwood where her whānau whakapapa to hold a special place in her heart, she says.
A zippy halfback and a skilled first five, Maia has played rugby for as long as she can remember, having worked her way up through youth rugby and then playing for Columba College during her high school years.
It was in her final year of school when she got her first taste of professional rugby, getting the opportunity to play for the Otago Spirit which she would continue for the following four years.
Following her impressive performances with the Otago Spirit, Maia was selected in the Chiefs Super Rugby squad, giving her a platform to showcase her talent and leading to her selection for Black Ferns and Black Ferns Sevens camps.
Now signed with the Matatū Super Rugby team, she was officially offered a two-year contract with the Black Ferns last year.
“When I first told my parents that I had received my contract they were very proud and happy for me. Without their support I wouldn't be in the position I get to be in today.
“Similarly, when I made the Rugby World Cup Squad my parents were extremely proud, and I was lucky enough for them to come over to England to support me and the team.”
Throughout the Women's Rugby World Cup, Maia made a positive impact wherever she went – charge downs, key passes, and to top it off, she scored an amazing team try against Ireland which was later named the International Rugby Players Association Women's 15s Try of the Year.
Maia and the Black Ferns proved to be a dominant presence in the tournament, putting on big scores and breezing through the initial stages of the competition. Their impressive run unfortunately came to an end with a 19-34 defeat to Canada in the semifinal. Despite this, the Black Ferns put on a brilliant performance against France in the bronze final, winning 42-26 and securing a third-place spot for New Zealand.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Black Ferns, it has been a childhood dream to represent my country.
“The Rugby World Cup was an amazing experience. The crowds, fans, and media coverage of the tournament was unprecedented and to be a part of the biggest Women's World Cup ever was a huge privilege. Though the result was disappointing, the memories made and lessons learned were insurmountable.”
-Kōrero by Brigham Riwai-Couch - Māori Communications Advisor
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