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{{short description|NZ rugby union player}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2024}}
{{Use New Zealand English|date=August 2016}}
{{Use New Zealand English|date=August 2016}}

{{Infobox rugby biography
{{Infobox rugby biography
| name = Alena Saili
| name = Alena Saili
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| caption =
| caption =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1998|12|13}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1998|12|13}}
| birth_place = [[Porirua]], [[New Zealand]]
| birth_place = [[Porirua]], New Zealand
| height = 1.80 m
| height = 1.80 m
| weight = 77 kg
| weight = 77 kg
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| ru_sevensnationalyears1 = 2017–
| ru_sevensnationalyears1 = 2017–
| ru_sevensnationalteam1 = [[New Zealand women's national rugby sevens team|New Zealand]]
| ru_sevensnationalteam1 = [[New Zealand women's national rugby sevens team|New Zealand]]
| ru_sevensnationalcomp1 = 123 apps<br>43 tries<br>215 points<ref>{{cite web |title= Alena Saili |website= SVNS |url= https://www.svns.com/en/teams/new-zealand |accessdate= 21 June 2024}}</ref>
| ru_sevensnationalcomp1 =
| ru_sevensupdate =
| ru_sevensupdate =
| coachteams1 =
| coachteams1 =
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{{MedalCompetition|[[Rugby sevens at the Summer Olympics|Olympic Games]]}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Rugby sevens at the Summer Olympics|Olympic Games]]}}
{{MedalGold|[[Rugby sevens at the 2020 Summer Olympics|2020 Tokyo]]|[[Rugby sevens at the 2020 Summer Olympics – Women's tournament|Team competition]]}}
{{MedalGold|[[Rugby sevens at the 2020 Summer Olympics|2020 Tokyo]]|[[Rugby sevens at the 2020 Summer Olympics – Women's tournament|Team competition]]}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Rugby World Cup Sevens]]}}
{{MedalSilver|[[2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens|2022 Cape Town]]|[[2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens squads – Women#New Zealand|Team competition]]}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Rugby sevens at the Commonwealth Games|Commonwealth Games]]}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Rugby sevens at the Commonwealth Games|Commonwealth Games]]}}
{{MedalGold|[[Rugby sevens at the 2018 Commonwealth Games|2018 Gold Coast]]|[[Rugby sevens at the 2018 Commonwealth Games – Women's tournament|Team competition]]}}
{{MedalGold|[[Rugby sevens at the 2018 Commonwealth Games|2018 Gold Coast]]|[[Rugby sevens at the 2018 Commonwealth Games – Women's tournament|Team competition]]}}
{{MedalBronze|[[Rugby sevens at the 2022 Commonwealth Games|2022 Birmingham]]|[[Rugby sevens at the 2022 Commonwealth Games – Women's tournament|Team competition]]}}
}}
}}


'''Alena Saili''' (born 13 December 1998) is a New Zealand [[rugby sevens]] player.
'''Alena Saili''' (born 13 December 1998) is a New Zealand [[rugby sevens]] player.is a New Zealand [[rugby union]] player. She plays seven-a-side and fifteen-a-side rugby union, and is a member of the [[New Zealand women's national rugby sevens team]].


She joined the [[Black Ferns Sevens]] in 2017.<ref name=Olympic>{{cite web |title=Alena Salli |url=https://www.olympic.org.nz/athletes/risaleaana-pouri-lane/ |website=New Zealand Olympic Team |access-date=12 February 2021 |language=en |date=18 June 2018}}</ref> She won a gold medal at the [[Rugby sevens at the 2018 Commonwealth Games|2018 Commonwealth Games]].<ref name=Olympic /> and competed at the [[2020 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/rugby-sevens/athlete-profile-n1473855-saili-alena.htm |title=SAILI Alena |publisher=[[Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games]] |access-date=5 September 2021}}</ref>
Saili joined the [[New Zealand women's national rugby sevens team]] in 2017. She was a member of the New Zealand women's sevens team that won a gold medal at the [[Rugby sevens at the 2018 Commonwealth Games|2018 Commonwealth Games]] and was a member of the team when they won a gold medal at the [[2020 Summer Olympics]].

In 2018-2019 she played five games for the fifteen-a-side [[New Zealand women's national rugby union team]].

Saili was a member of the New Zealand women's sevens team that won a bronze medal at the [[2022 Commonwealth Games]] in [[Birmingham]].
She was a member the New Zealand women's sevens team that won a silver medal at the [[2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens – Women's tournament|Rugby World Cup Sevens]] in [[Cape Town]].

Saili expanded her international career playing for [[Premier Rugby Sevens]] in the United States of America, signing with the [[Texas Team]] during the 2023 season.

==Early life==
Alena Saili was born in Porirua, on 13 December 1998 to Maima Afutu and Sefo Saili.<ref name=Stats>{{cite web |last= Julian |first= Adam |date= |title= Alena Saili #197 |url= http://stats.allblacks.com/asp/profile_bf.asp?BFID=5200 |website= All Blacks |accessdate= 24 June 2024}}</ref> <ref name= Savory1>{{cite web |last= Savory |first= Logan |date= 23 August 2021 |title= Lockdown upside for Olympic gold medallist Alena Saili |url= https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/black-ferns/126156087/lockdown-upside-for-olympic-gold-medallist-alena-saili |website= Stuff |accessdate= 21 June 2024}}</ref> When she was one years old she moved south with her family to Invercargill.<ref name=Deane1>{{cite web |last= Deane |first= Steve |date= 16 August 2018 |title= This weekend's other big rugby test |url= https://newsroom.co.nz/2018/08/16/black-ferns-determined-to-defend-unbeaten-record/ |website= Newsroom |accessdate= 24 June 2024}}</ref><ref name= Hudson1>{{cite web |last= Hudson |first= Daisy |date= 18 September 2021 |title= Women shaping their world for the better |url= https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/women-shaping-their-world-better |website= Otago Daly Times |accessdate= 24 June 2024}}</ref> As a child she watched her mother Maima play club rugby for the Collegiate Rugby Club in Invercargill.<ref name= Savory2>{{cite web |last= Savory |first= Logan |date= 6 July 2021 |title= Tokyo Olympics: High school dream becomes reality for Black Fern Alena Saili |url= https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/olympics/125656988/tokyo-olympics-high-school-dream-becomes-reality-for-black-fern-alena-sail |website= Stuff |accessdate= 21 June 2024}}</ref> Maima went on to coach both secondary school and provincial teams. In 2021 she was appointed Southland District Rugby League’s rangatahi (youth) and female development officer.<ref>{{cite web |last= Savory |first= Logan |date= 24 September 2022 |title= The Southland women who took on a male-dominated sport and become hooked |url= https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/women-in-sport/129934513/the-southland-women-who-took-on-a-maledominated-sport-and-become-hooked |website= Stuff |accessdate= 24 June 2024}}</ref> Alena Saili’s cousin [[Francis Saili]], placed for both the Blues and the [[New Zealand national rugby union team| All Blacks]], while his brother [[Peter Saili]] placed for the Blues.

She completed her secondary education at [[Southland Girls' High School]] in Invercargill.<ref name= Savory3>{{cite web |last= Savory |first= Logan |date= 17 August 2021 |title= Emotional return for Southland's Olympic Games golden Black Fern Alena Saili |url= https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/black-ferns/126094921/emotional-return-for-southlands-olympic-games-golden-black-fern-alena-saili |website= Stuff |accessdate= 21 June 2024}}</ref>

At secondary school she played aerobics, basketball, netball. rugby union, touch rugby and volleyball. In January 2017 Saili was a member of New Zealand under 20 women's touch rugby team that played and lost of its three games against Australia in a trans-Tasman series.<ref>{{cite web |last= Donaldson |first=Scott |date= 20 December 2016 |title= Hard work pays off as Southland touch achieves national success in golden year |url= https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/77318112/hard-work-pays-off-as-southland-touch-achieves-national-success-in-golden-year |website= Stuff |accessdate= 25 June 2024}}</ref><ref name=Stats/> New Zealand lost all three of the games. <ref>{{cite web |title=Trans Tasman – 2017: Youth Girls 20 - New Zealand |url= https://www.internationaltouch.org/events/trans-tasman/2017-youth/girls-20/new-zealand/ |website= Federation of International Touch |accessdate= 24 June 2024}}</ref>
it was only after her coaches suggested that she should focus on fewer sports that she began to concentrate on rugby union.<ref name=Stats/><ref name=Savory2/> She played for the school’s first fifteen girls rugby team from year 9 right through to year 13. It was after playing in a high school sevens tournament that she realised that she loved this format better.<ref name=Hudson1/>

==Rugby career==
At the South Island Regional sevens tournament in December 2014 Saili who just meet the minimum age requirement by turning 16 on the day of the tournament was a major contributor to the Southland women’s team getting third and thus meeting the criteria to play in the 2015 national sevens tournament.<ref>{{cite web |last= Savory |first= Logan |date= 14 December 2014 |title= Alena Saili shines for Southland women's sevens |url= https://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/sport/64145759/alena-saili-shines-for-southland-womens-sevens |website= Stuff |accessdate= 24 June 2024}}</ref>

In January 2017, in her first year after leaving secondary school Saili joined the [[New Zealand women's national rugby sevens team]] on a full contract.<ref>{{cite web |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date= 19 January 2017 |title= Fresh names in New Zealand women's sevens for 2017 season |url= https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/sevens/88587428/fresh-names-new-zealand-womens-sevens-for-2017-season |website= Stuff |accessdate= 25 September 2023}}</ref><ref name=Olympic>{{cite web |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date= 18 June 2018 |title= Alena Salli |url= https://www.olympic.org.nz/athletes/risaleaana-pouri-lane/ |website= New Zealand Olympic Team |access-date= 12 February 2021 |language=en }}</ref> She made her debut at the age of 19 at Sydney <ref>{{cite web |date= 27 January 2017 |title= Experienced Black Ferns Sevens Squad Selected for Sydney |url= https://rugbyheartland.co.nz/wp/2017/01/27/experienced-black-ferns-sevens-squad-selected-for-sydney/ |website= Rugby Heartland |accessdate= 24 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last= Hepburn |first= Steve |date= 20 January 2017 |title= Southlander Saili in NZ sevens squad |url= https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/sevens/southlander-saili-nz-sevens-squad |website= Otago Daily Times |accessdate= 24 June 2024}}</ref>
In early 2018 she was again awarded a 12 month contract with the sevens team.<ref>{{cite web |date= 8 February 2018 |title= Blacks Ferns Sevens contracted squad named (NZ Rugby News |url= https://www.northlandrugby.co.nz/newsarticle/58516 |website= Northland Rugby |accessdate= 25 September 2023}}</ref>
She was a member of the Black Ferns team that won a gold medal at the [[Rugby sevens at the 2018 Commonwealth Games|2018 Commonwealth Games]].<ref name= Olympic/>

=== Fifteen-a-side===
At the age of 19 Saili made her debut for the [[New Zealand women's national rugby union team| Black Ferns]] 15-a-side rugby team against Australia in Sydney on 18 August 2018.<ref name=Deane1/> She made further appearances; against Australia in Auckland on 25 August, against Canada in San Diego on 28 June 2019, against France in San Diego on 6 July 2019, with her last against England in San Diego on 14 July 2019.<ref name=Stats/> Three of the games were as substitute.<ref name=Stats/>

===2020 Tokyo Olympic Games===
In January 2019 she was awarded a full 12 month contract with the sevens team.<ref>{{cite web |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.-->|date= 15 January 2019 |title= Three teenagers named in Black Ferns Sevens squad |url= https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/380152/three-teenagers-named-in-black-ferns-sevens-squad |website= Radio New Zealand |accessdate= 27 September 2023}}</ref>
Two months prior to [[2020 Summer Olympics| Tokyo Olympics]] she fractured a shoulder in training, but with treatment she became fit enough to be considered for selection.<ref name= Searle>{{cite web |last= Searle |first=Jamie |date= 2 August 2021 |title= Saili overcomes the odds to win gold at Tokyo Olympics |url= https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/olympics/125946572/saili-overcomes-the-odds-to-win-gold-at-tokyo-olympics |website= Stuff |accessdate= 21 June 2024}}</ref>
She was selected for the team, which went on to win the gold medal.<ref>{{cite web |author= <!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date= 2 July 2021 |title= Tokyo Olympics: New Zealand sevens squads named as All Blacks winger Caleb Clarke only makes travelling reserves |url= https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/tokyo-olympics-new-zealand-sevens-squads-named-as-all-blacks-winger-caleb-clarke-only-makes-travelling-reserves/GVVNGVZSZRAHODTUZSFSSMRYVI/ |website= NZ Herald |accessdate= 21 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title= Rugby Sevens – SAILI Alena |work=Tokyo 2020 Olympics |url= https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/rugby-sevens/athlete-profile-n1473855-saili-alena.htm |publisher= [[Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games]] |access-date=5 September 2021 |archive-date=5 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210905183139/https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/rugby-sevens/athlete-profile-n1473855-saili-alena.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>

After Nathan Cohen, Saili became the second person from the province of Southland to win an Olympic gold medal.
Upon her return from Tokyo she spent 14 days isolating at a [[COVID-19 managed isolation in New Zealand|managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) facility]] in Christchurch before being reunited with family in her home town, where she visited her former school, Southland Girls’ High School in August 2021. Here she was honoured with a full school haka in the school’s gym.<ref name=Searle/><ref name=Savory3/>

===2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games===
Saili was named in the New Zealand women's sevens team for the [[2022 Commonwealth Games]] in [[Birmingham]].<ref>{{Cite web |date= 29 June 2022 |title= Rugby Sevens teams named for Commonwealth Games |url= https://www.allblacks.com/news/rugby-sevens-teams-named-for-commonwealth-games/ |website= All Blacks |access-date= 4 July 2022 |language=en-NZ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date= 29 June 2022 |title= Experienced New Zealand sevens squads revealed for Commonwealth Games |url= https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/commonwealth-games/300624797/experienced-new-zealand-sevens-squads-revealed-for-commonwealth-games |access-date= 4 July 2022 |website= Stuff |language=en}}</ref> She won a bronze medal at the event.<ref>{{Cite web |last= McConnell |first= Lynn |date= 1 August 2022 |title= Double bronze for New Zealand Sevens sides in Birmingham |url=https://www.allblacks.com/news/double-bronze-for-new-zealand-sevens-sides-in-birmingham/ |website= All Blacks |access-date= 5 August 2022|language=en-NZ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date= 1 August 2022 |title= NZ Sevens sides bounce back to win bronze medals |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/08/01/black-ferns-sevens-bounce-back-for-bronze-in-tough-canada-clash/ |access-date= 5 August 2022 |website= 1 News |language= en}}</ref>

She was part of the Black Ferns sevens team that won a silver medal at the [[2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens – Women's tournament|Rugby World Cup Sevens]] in [[Cape Town]].<ref>{{Cite web |last= Julian |first= Adam |date=12 September 2022 |title=New Zealand sides scoop silver in Cape Town |url=https://www.allblacks.com/news/heartbreak-for-new-zealand-sides-in-cape-town/ |website= All Blacks |access-date= 22 September 2022 |language=en-NZ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=12 September 2022 |title= NZ Sevens come up short, losing World Cup finals in Cape Town |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/09/12/nz-sevens-come-up-short-losing-world-cup-finals-in-cape-town/ |access-date=22 September 2022 |website= 1 News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= Wilson |first= Sam |date= 11 September 2022 |title= Recap: New Zealand's men and women beaten in Rugby World Cup Sevens finals in Cape Town |url= https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/sevens/300684524/recap-new-zealands-men-and-women-lose-their-rugby-world-cup-sevens-finals-in-cape-town |access-date=22 September 2022 |website= Stuff |language= en}}</ref>

===2023 Premier Rugby Sevens===
In May 2023, Saili announced she was going to head over to the United States of America to play in [[Premier Rugby Sevens]]. Saili signed with the [[Texas Team]], playing alongside New Zealand sevens teammate, [[Tysha Ikenasio]].<ref>{{cite web |date= 17 May 2023 |title= New Zealand Rugby Stars Sign with Premier Rugby Sevens for 2023 Season |url= https://www.prsevens.com/news/new-zealand-rugby-stars-sign-with-premier-rugby-sevens-for-2023-season |website= Premier Rugby Sevens |accessdate= 27 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title= Eastern Conference Kickoff Preview |url= https://prsevens.com/2023/06/16/eastern-conference-kickoff-preview/|website= Premier Rugby Sevens |accessdate= 27 June 2024}}</ref>

Saili ended the year totalling, two tries, 10 points, seven tackle, six carries, and one steal. Team went 1–3 throughout the season picking up their lone win at [[Highmark Stadium (Pennsylvania)|Highmark Stadium]] in [[Pittsburgh|Pittsburgh, Pa]]. against the [[Pittsburgh Steeltoes]]. Texas dominated Pittsburgh, shutting the Steeltoes out 29–0.<ref name=prsevens>{{Cite web |title= Pittsburgh has a new Big Ben – Men's Steeltoes win their Home Debut and Qualify for Premier Rugby Sevens Championship {{!}} Premier Rugby Sevens |url= https://www.prsevens.com/news/steeltoes-make-home-debut-in-highmark-stadium-mens-steeltoes-qualify-for-championship |website= Premier Rugby Sevens |access-date= 14 December 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

Both of Saili’s tries were scored at the Eastern Conference Finals in Pittsburgh. She had a solid day having one linebreak, four offloads, and three tackles to go along with the pair of tries.<ref name=prsevens/>

Saili and the team went 0–2 at the Eastern Conference Kickoff at [[Q2 Stadium]] in [[Austin, Texas|Austin, Tx]]. falling to the [[New York Locals]] and the Steeltoes.<ref>{{Cite web |title= Texas Team Rugby |url= https://www.statesman.com/picture-gallery/sports/2023/06/20/texas-team-competes-premier-rugby-sevens/12128263002/ |website= Austin American-Statesman |access-date= 14 December 2023 |language= en-US}}</ref>

===Return to New Zealand sevens duties===
Following the completion of her time in the Premier Rugby Sevens Saili returned to New Zealand and served as a member of the New Zealand team that contested the [[2023–24 SVNS | 2023-2024 World Rugby Sevens competition]] and won its league title.<ref>{{cite web |author= <!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date= 24 November 2023 |title= Kiwi sevens teams set for title defences in first round of new SVNS World Series |url= https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/sevens/301014503/kiwi-sevens-teams-set-for-title-defences-in-first-round-of-new-svns-world-series |website= Stuff |accessdate= 24 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author= <!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date= 9 February 2024 |title= 17-year-old among new faces in Sevens squads ahead of Olympics |url= https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/02/09/17-year-old-among-new-faces-in-sevens-squads-ahead-of-olympics/ |website= I News |accessdate= 12 February 2024}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web |last= Julian |first= Adam |date= 6 May 2024 |title= Sevens Blackwash in Singapore |url= https://www.allblacks.com/news/sevens-blackout-in-singapore |website= All Blacks |accessdate= 26 June 2024}}</ref> Over the course of the competition she played 24 games, and scored seven tries.<ref>{{cite web |title= Alena Saili |website= SVNS |url= https://www.svns.com/en/teams/new-zealand |accessdate= 27 June 2024}}</ref>

On 20 June 2024 it was announced that she had been selected as a member of the New Zealand Women’s Rugby Sevens team for the [[Rugby sevens at the 2024 Summer Olympics| Paris Olympics]].<ref>{{cite web |last= Kermeen |first= Mat |date= 20 June 2024 |title= Sevens star Sarah Hirini completes ‘unbelievable’ recovery for Paris Olympics |url= https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/350317426/sevens-star-sarah-hirini-completes-unbelievable-recovery-paris-olympics |website= Stuff |accessdate= 21 June 2024}}</ref>

==Awards and honours==
* 2016-17, ILT Southland junior sportsperson of the year.<ref name=ILT>{{cite web |title= ILT Southland Sports Awards: Honour Board |url= https://www.sporty.co.nz/sportsouthlandsportsawards/2024-winners-honours-board |website= Sporty |accessdate= 27 June 2024}}</ref>
* 2018-19, ILT Southland junior sportsperson of the year.<ref name=ILT/>
* 2021-22, ILT Southland senior sportsperson of the year.<ref name=ILT/><ref>{{cite web |date= 8 July 2022 |title= Black Ferns star Alena Saili ILT Southland sportsperson of the year |url= https://www.activesouthland.co.nz/newsarticle/117681?newsfeedId=1325221 |website= Active Southland |accessdate= 24 June 2024}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.allblacks.com/playerprofiles/alena-saili-2/ Alena Saili] at [[Black Ferns Sevens]]
* [http://www.allblacks.com/playerprofiles/alena-saili-2/ Alena Saili] at [[Black Ferns Sevens]]
* {{World Rugby Sevens Series player}}
* {{NZOC profile}}
* {{NZOC profile}}
* {{Olympics.com profile}}
* {{Olympedia}}
* {{Olympedia}}
* {{2018 Commonwealth Games profile|rugby-sevens/athlete-profile-n6026188-alena-saili}}
* {{2022 Commonwealth Games profile|53178}}


{{New Zealand Women's 2018 Commonwealth Games Squad}}
{{New Zealand women's rugby sevens squad 2020 Summer Olympics}}
{{2018 New Zealand Commonwealth Games team}}
{{2018 New Zealand Commonwealth Games team}}
{{2020 New Zealand Olympic team}}
{{2020 New Zealand Olympic team}}
{{2022 New Zealand Commonwealth Games team}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


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[[Category:1998 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
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[[Category:Commonwealth Games gold medallists for New Zealand]]
[[Category:Commonwealth Games medallists in rugby sevens]]
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[[Category:Medalists at the 2020 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:New Zealand female rugby sevens players]]
[[Category:New Zealand female rugby sevens players]]
[[Category:New Zealand international rugby sevens players]]
[[Category:New Zealand women's international rugby sevens players]]
[[Category:Rugby sevens players at the 2020 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:New Zealand sportspeople of Samoan descent]]
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[[Category:Olympic rugby sevens players of New Zealand]]
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[[Category:People from Porirua]]
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[[Category:Rugby sevens players at the 2018 Commonwealth Games]]
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[[Category:Commonwealth Games competitors for New Zealand]]
[[Category:Olympic gold medalists for New Zealand]]
[[Category:Olympic gold medalists for New Zealand]]
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[[Category:Medalists at the 2020 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:Olympic medalists in rugby sevens]]
[[Category:Olympic medalists in rugby sevens]]
[[Category:Commonwealth Games medallists in rugby sevens]]
[[Category:Olympic rugby sevens players for New Zealand]]
[[Category:Commonwealth Games gold medallists for New Zealand]]
[[Category:Rugby sevens players at the 2018 Commonwealth Games]]
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[[Category:Rugby sevens players at the 2020 Summer Olympics]]

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[[Category:Rugby union players from Porirua]]

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[[Category:Rugby sevens players at the 2022 Commonwealth Games]]
{{NewZealand-rugbyunion-bio-1990s-stub}}
[[Category:Medallists at the 2018 Commonwealth Games]]
[[Category:Medallists at the 2022 Commonwealth Games]]

Revision as of 03:29, 28 June 2024

Alena Saili
Date of birth (1998-12-13) 13 December 1998 (age 25)
Place of birthPorirua, New Zealand
Height1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
Weight77 kg (170 lb)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Forward
National sevens team
Years Team Comps
2017– Neuseeland 123 apps
43 tries
215 points[1]
Medal record
Women's rugby sevens
Representing  Neuseeland
Olympic Games
Gold medal – first place 2020 Tokyo Team competition
Rugby World Cup Sevens
Silver medal – second place 2022 Cape Town Team competition
Commonwealth Games
Gold medal – first place 2018 Gold Coast Team competition
Bronze medal – third place 2022 Birmingham Team competition

Alena Saili (born 13 December 1998) is a New Zealand rugby sevens player.is a New Zealand rugby union player. She plays seven-a-side and fifteen-a-side rugby union, and is a member of the New Zealand women's national rugby sevens team.

Saili joined the New Zealand women's national rugby sevens team in 2017. She was a member of the New Zealand women's sevens team that won a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and was a member of the team when they won a gold medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics.

In 2018-2019 she played five games for the fifteen-a-side New Zealand women's national rugby union team.

Saili was a member of the New Zealand women's sevens team that won a bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. She was a member the New Zealand women's sevens team that won a silver medal at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Cape Town.

Saili expanded her international career playing for Premier Rugby Sevens in the United States of America, signing with the Texas Team during the 2023 season.

Early life

Alena Saili was born in Porirua, on 13 December 1998 to Maima Afutu and Sefo Saili.[2] [3] When she was one years old she moved south with her family to Invercargill.[4][5] As a child she watched her mother Maima play club rugby for the Collegiate Rugby Club in Invercargill.[6] Maima went on to coach both secondary school and provincial teams. In 2021 she was appointed Southland District Rugby League’s rangatahi (youth) and female development officer.[7] Alena Saili’s cousin Francis Saili, placed for both the Blues and the All Blacks, while his brother Peter Saili placed for the Blues.

She completed her secondary education at Southland Girls' High School in Invercargill.[8]

At secondary school she played aerobics, basketball, netball. rugby union, touch rugby and volleyball. In January 2017 Saili was a member of New Zealand under 20 women's touch rugby team that played and lost of its three games against Australia in a trans-Tasman series.[9][2] New Zealand lost all three of the games. [10] it was only after her coaches suggested that she should focus on fewer sports that she began to concentrate on rugby union.[2][6] She played for the school’s first fifteen girls rugby team from year 9 right through to year 13. It was after playing in a high school sevens tournament that she realised that she loved this format better.[5]

Rugby career

At the South Island Regional sevens tournament in December 2014 Saili who just meet the minimum age requirement by turning 16 on the day of the tournament was a major contributor to the Southland women’s team getting third and thus meeting the criteria to play in the 2015 national sevens tournament.[11]

In January 2017, in her first year after leaving secondary school Saili joined the New Zealand women's national rugby sevens team on a full contract.[12][13] She made her debut at the age of 19 at Sydney [14][15] In early 2018 she was again awarded a 12 month contract with the sevens team.[16] She was a member of the Black Ferns team that won a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.[13]

Fifteen-a-side

At the age of 19 Saili made her debut for the Black Ferns 15-a-side rugby team against Australia in Sydney on 18 August 2018.[4] She made further appearances; against Australia in Auckland on 25 August, against Canada in San Diego on 28 June 2019, against France in San Diego on 6 July 2019, with her last against England in San Diego on 14 July 2019.[2] Three of the games were as substitute.[2]

2020 Tokyo Olympic Games

In January 2019 she was awarded a full 12 month contract with the sevens team.[17] Two months prior to Tokyo Olympics she fractured a shoulder in training, but with treatment she became fit enough to be considered for selection.[18] She was selected for the team, which went on to win the gold medal.[19][20]

After Nathan Cohen, Saili became the second person from the province of Southland to win an Olympic gold medal. Upon her return from Tokyo she spent 14 days isolating at a managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) facility in Christchurch before being reunited with family in her home town, where she visited her former school, Southland Girls’ High School in August 2021. Here she was honoured with a full school haka in the school’s gym.[18][8]

2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games

Saili was named in the New Zealand women's sevens team for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.[21][22] She won a bronze medal at the event.[23][24]

She was part of the Black Ferns sevens team that won a silver medal at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Cape Town.[25][26][27]

2023 Premier Rugby Sevens

In May 2023, Saili announced she was going to head over to the United States of America to play in Premier Rugby Sevens. Saili signed with the Texas Team, playing alongside New Zealand sevens teammate, Tysha Ikenasio.[28][29]

Saili ended the year totalling, two tries, 10 points, seven tackle, six carries, and one steal. Team went 1–3 throughout the season picking up their lone win at Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa. against the Pittsburgh Steeltoes. Texas dominated Pittsburgh, shutting the Steeltoes out 29–0.[30]

Both of Saili’s tries were scored at the Eastern Conference Finals in Pittsburgh. She had a solid day having one linebreak, four offloads, and three tackles to go along with the pair of tries.[30]

Saili and the team went 0–2 at the Eastern Conference Kickoff at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Tx. falling to the New York Locals and the Steeltoes.[31]

Return to New Zealand sevens duties

Following the completion of her time in the Premier Rugby Sevens Saili returned to New Zealand and served as a member of the New Zealand team that contested the 2023-2024 World Rugby Sevens competition and won its league title.[32][33] [34] Over the course of the competition she played 24 games, and scored seven tries.[35]

On 20 June 2024 it was announced that she had been selected as a member of the New Zealand Women’s Rugby Sevens team for the Paris Olympics.[36]

Awards and honours

  • 2016-17, ILT Southland junior sportsperson of the year.[37]
  • 2018-19, ILT Southland junior sportsperson of the year.[37]
  • 2021-22, ILT Southland senior sportsperson of the year.[37][38]

References

  1. ^ "Alena Saili". SVNS. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d e Julian, Adam. "Alena Saili #197". All Blacks. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
  3. ^ Savory, Logan (23 August 2021). "Lockdown upside for Olympic gold medallist Alena Saili". Stuff. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
  4. ^ a b Deane, Steve (16 August 2018). "This weekend's other big rugby test". Newsroom. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
  5. ^ a b Hudson, Daisy (18 September 2021). "Women shaping their world for the better". Otago Daly Times. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
  6. ^ a b Savory, Logan (6 July 2021). "Tokyo Olympics: High school dream becomes reality for Black Fern Alena Saili". Stuff. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
  7. ^ Savory, Logan (24 September 2022). "The Southland women who took on a male-dominated sport and become hooked". Stuff. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
  8. ^ a b Savory, Logan (17 August 2021). "Emotional return for Southland's Olympic Games golden Black Fern Alena Saili". Stuff. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
  9. ^ Donaldson, Scott (20 December 2016). "Hard work pays off as Southland touch achieves national success in golden year". Stuff. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
  10. ^ "Trans Tasman – 2017: Youth Girls 20 - New Zealand". Federation of International Touch. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
  11. ^ Savory, Logan (14 December 2014). "Alena Saili shines for Southland women's sevens". Stuff. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
  12. ^ "Fresh names in New Zealand women's sevens for 2017 season". Stuff. 19 January 2017. Retrieved 25 September 2023.
  13. ^ a b "Alena Salli". New Zealand Olympic Team. 18 June 2018. Retrieved 12 February 2021.
  14. ^ "Experienced Black Ferns Sevens Squad Selected for Sydney". Rugby Heartland. 27 January 2017. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
  15. ^ Hepburn, Steve (20 January 2017). "Southlander Saili in NZ sevens squad". Otago Daily Times. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
  16. ^ "Blacks Ferns Sevens contracted squad named (NZ Rugby News". Northland Rugby. 8 February 2018. Retrieved 25 September 2023.
  17. ^ "Three teenagers named in Black Ferns Sevens squad". Radio New Zealand. 15 January 2019. Retrieved 27 September 2023.
  18. ^ a b Searle, Jamie (2 August 2021). "Saili overcomes the odds to win gold at Tokyo Olympics". Stuff. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
  19. ^ "Tokyo Olympics: New Zealand sevens squads named as All Blacks winger Caleb Clarke only makes travelling reserves". NZ Herald. 2 July 2021. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
  20. ^ "Rugby Sevens – SAILI Alena". Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Archived from the original on 5 September 2021. Retrieved 5 September 2021.
  21. ^ "Rugby Sevens teams named for Commonwealth Games". All Blacks. 29 June 2022. Retrieved 4 July 2022.
  22. ^ "Experienced New Zealand sevens squads revealed for Commonwealth Games". Stuff. 29 June 2022. Retrieved 4 July 2022.
  23. ^ McConnell, Lynn (1 August 2022). "Double bronze for New Zealand Sevens sides in Birmingham". All Blacks. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  24. ^ "NZ Sevens sides bounce back to win bronze medals". 1 News. 1 August 2022. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  25. ^ Julian, Adam (12 September 2022). "New Zealand sides scoop silver in Cape Town". All Blacks. Retrieved 22 September 2022.
  26. ^ "NZ Sevens come up short, losing World Cup finals in Cape Town". 1 News. 12 September 2022. Retrieved 22 September 2022.
  27. ^ Wilson, Sam (11 September 2022). "Recap: New Zealand's men and women beaten in Rugby World Cup Sevens finals in Cape Town". Stuff. Retrieved 22 September 2022.
  28. ^ "New Zealand Rugby Stars Sign with Premier Rugby Sevens for 2023 Season". Premier Rugby Sevens. 17 May 2023. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
  29. ^ "Eastern Conference Kickoff Preview". Premier Rugby Sevens. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
  30. ^ a b "Pittsburgh has a new Big Ben – Men's Steeltoes win their Home Debut and Qualify for Premier Rugby Sevens Championship | Premier Rugby Sevens". Premier Rugby Sevens. Retrieved 14 December 2023.
  31. ^ "Texas Team Rugby". Austin American-Statesman. Retrieved 14 December 2023.
  32. ^ "Kiwi sevens teams set for title defences in first round of new SVNS World Series". Stuff. 24 November 2023. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
  33. ^ "17-year-old among new faces in Sevens squads ahead of Olympics". I News. 9 February 2024. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
  34. ^ Julian, Adam (6 May 2024). "Sevens Blackwash in Singapore". All Blacks. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  35. ^ "Alena Saili". SVNS. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
  36. ^ Kermeen, Mat (20 June 2024). "Sevens star Sarah Hirini completes 'unbelievable' recovery for Paris Olympics". Stuff. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
  37. ^ a b c "ILT Southland Sports Awards: Honour Board". Sporty. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
  38. ^ "Black Ferns star Alena Saili ILT Southland sportsperson of the year". Active Southland. 8 July 2022. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
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