Southland Black Ferns sevens star Texas bound
“I’ve been in the Black Ferns environment for six or seven years now, so it’s going to be different going into a new team and find out where I sit with them.”
Alena Saili’s hometown visit has been cut short with the Black Ferns sevens player signed to play for Texas in the United States.
The 24-year-old New Zealand Rugby contracted sevens player is home in Invercargill at the moment on a break.
That stint visiting family and friends was supposed to be for about a month, but she will now depart on Monday.
Saili has been recruited by the Texas team which plays in the professional sevens competition called Premier Rugby Sevens. Texas plays in the Eastern Conference.
“I was supposed to be home [in Invercargill] for about a month, at least, and this opportunity popped up.
“I thought I would go and get some game time under my belt, meet some new people, and get in a new environment.”
“I get to go over there and experience what it’s like to play in America and play among the Americans.”
“I’ve been in the Black Ferns environment for six or seven years now, so it’s going to be different going into a new team and finding out where I sit with them.”
She will join fellow Black Sevens player Tysha Ikenasio in the Texas team.
“At least I’ll have one person I know initially.”
The series is made up of the three tournaments before the championship tournament.
Saili is expected to be away for about seven weeks and when she returns will rejoin the Black Ferns sevens setup for preparations leading into the next World Rugby Sevens Series.
The 2020 Toyko Olympic Games gold medallist is keen to push for a regular starting spot in the Black Ferns setup heading into 2024 Olympic Games in France.
While Saili’s stay in Invercargill was shorter than expected she still managed some time to speak at an Academy Southland function about her journey to date.
Saili is a product of the Academy Southland programme which helps some of the province’s promising athletes with the tools and support they need to reach the top of their game.
“I love doing things like this. Jason [McKenzie] and Carly [Anderson] has done a lot for me growing up here back in 2017-2018. I’ve got a lot of time for them and for my town Invercargill.”
Since 2005 SBS Bank Academy Southland has been supporting Southlanders with the opportunities, tools and support they need to reach the top of their game.
The Academy provides mental skills, athlete life, nutrition and strength and conditioning support to athletes in order to be the best they can be, as athletes and people.