Sarah Hirini: The Humble Halfback with a Heart of Gold

"Sarah Hirini is one of the most beloved athletes in New Zealand, and for good reason," starts Mike in his article on the NZ Herald website.
A remarkable rugby player, Hirini has played a pivotal role in the success of both the Black Ferns and the Chiefs. But it's not just her on-field achievements that make her so special.
"She's a true role model, on and off the field," continues Mike. "She's always humble, gracious, and willing to give back to her community."
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Born in Hokitika on the South Island of New Zealand, rugby was always a part of Sarah's life. She started playing at the age of 5, following in the footsteps of her older brothers. "It was a small town and there wasn't much else to do," she recalls with a laugh.

Hirini quickly rose through the rugby ranks, making her debut for the Black Ferns in 2012, at the age of just 19.
Since then, she's gone on to win two World Cups, two Six Nations Championships, and numerous other accolades.

But despite all her success, she remains remarkably down-to-earth.

"I'm just a normal person who happens to play rugby," she says. "I'm no different from anyone else."

That humility is one of the things that makes Sarah so relatable to fans. She's not just a talented athlete, she's also a warm and genuine person.

This is evident in her work off the field. Sarah is a passionate advocate for women's rugby, she regularly visits schools and clubs to inspire young players.

She is also a role model for her people, the Ngāi Tahu iwi. Sarah is proud of her Māori heritage, and she uses her platform to speak out on issues affecting her community.

From her humble beginnings in Hokitika to her remarkable achievements on the world stage, Sarah Hirini is a true inspiration.

She is a role model for young people everywhere, and a reminder that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.

So next time you see Sarah Hirini playing for the Black Ferns, take a moment to appreciate her not just as a great rugby player, but also as a great human being.