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'''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.


Saili 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 /> She competed at the [[2020 Summer Olympics]] and won a gold medal.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/rugby-sevens/athlete-profile-n1473855-saili-alena.htm |title=Rugby Sevens - SAILI Alena |work=Tokyo 2020 Olympics |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>
Saili joined the [[Black Ferns Sevens]] 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]].


Saili was a member of the New Zealand women's sevens team that won a bronze medal at the [[2022 Commonwealth Games]] in [[Birmingham]].
⚫
Saili was named in the Black Ferns Sevens squad for the [[2022 Commonwealth Games]] in [[Birmingham]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-29 |title=Rugby Sevens teams named for Commonwealth Games |url=https://www.allblacks.com/news/rugby-sevens-teams-named-for-commonwealth-games/ |access-date=2022-07-04 |website=allblacks.com |language=en-NZ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-29 |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=2022-07-04 |website=Stuff |language=en}}</ref> She won a bronze medal at the event.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McConnell |first=Lynn |date=2022-08-01 |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/ |access-date=2022-08-05 |website=allblacks.com |language=en-NZ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-01 |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=2022-08-05 |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=2022-09-12 |title=New Zealand sides scoop silver in Cape Town |url=https://www.allblacks.com/news/heartbreak-for-new-zealand-sides-in-cape-town/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=allblacks.com |language=en-NZ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-12 |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=2022-09-22 |website=1 News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Sam |date=2022-09-11 |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=2022-09-22 |website=Stuff |language=en}}</ref>
She was a member 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]].


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.
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 on 13 December 1998 to Maima Afutu and Sefo Saili. <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> 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 coaches both secondary school and provincial teams.

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 rugby union, touch rugby and netball.<ref name=Savory2/>


== Rugby career ==
== Rugby career ==

Saili joined the [[Black Ferns Sevens]] in 2017.<ref name=Olympic>{{cite web |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 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 />

===2020 Tokyo Olympic Games===
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= 2022-08-01 |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= 2022-08-05 |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=2022-09-12 |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=2022-09-12 |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=2022-09-22 |website=1 News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= Wilson |first=Sam |date=2022-09-11 |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=2022-09-22 |website=Stuff |language=en}}</ref>


=== 2023 Premier Rugby Sevens ===
=== 2023 Premier Rugby Sevens ===

Revision as of 10:31, 21 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.

Saili joined the Black Ferns Sevens 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.

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 Black Ferns 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 on 13 December 1998 to Maima Afutu and Sefo Saili. [2] As a child she watched her mother Maima play club rugby for the Collegiate Rugby Club in Invercargill.[3] Maima coaches both secondary school and provincial teams.

She completed her secondary education at Southland Girls’ High School in Invercargill. [4]

At secondary school she played rugby union, touch rugby and netball.[3]

Rugby career

Saili joined the Black Ferns Sevens in 2017.[5]

She was a member of the Black Ferns team that won a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.[5]

2020 Tokyo Olympic Games

Two months prior to Tokyo Olympics she fractured a shoulder in training, but with treatment she became fit enough to be considered for selection.[6] She was selected for the team, which went on to win the gold medal.[7][8]

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.[6][4]

2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games

Saili was named in the New Zealand women's sevens team for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.[9][10] She won a bronze medal at the event.[11][12]

She was part of the Black Ferns sevens team that won a silver medal at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Cape Town.[13][14][15]

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 Black Ferns teammate, Tysha Ikenasio. [1][2]

Saili ended the year totaling, two trys, 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.[16]

Both of Saili’s trys 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 tires.[16]

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.[17]

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.[18]

References

  1. ^ "Alena Saili". SVNS. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
  2. ^ Savory, Logan (23 August 2021). "Lockdown upside for Olympic gold medallist Alena Saili". Stuff. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
  3. ^ a b Savory, Logan (6 July 2021). "Tokyo Olympics: High school dream becomes reality for Black Fern Alena Saili". Stuff. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
  4. ^ a b Savory, Logan (17 August 2021). "Emotional return for Southland's Olympic Games golden Black Fern Alena Saili". Stuff. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
  5. ^ a b "Alena Salli". New Zealand Olympic Team. 18 June 2018. Retrieved 12 February 2021.
  6. ^ a b Searle, Jamie (2 August 2021). "Saili overcomes the odds to win gold at Tokyo Olympics". Stuff. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
  7. ^ "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.
  8. ^ "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.
  9. ^ "Rugby Sevens teams named for Commonwealth Games". All Blacks. 29 June 2022. Retrieved 4 July 2022.
  10. ^ "Experienced New Zealand sevens squads revealed for Commonwealth Games". Stuff. 29 June 2022. Retrieved 4 July 2022.
  11. ^ McConnell, Lynn (1 August 2022). "Double bronze for New Zealand Sevens sides in Birmingham". All Blacks. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  12. ^ "NZ Sevens sides bounce back to win bronze medals". 1 News. 1 August 2022. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  13. ^ Julian, Adam (12 September 2022). "New Zealand sides scoop silver in Cape Town". All Blacks. Retrieved 22 September 2022.
  14. ^ "NZ Sevens come up short, losing World Cup finals in Cape Town". 1 News. 12 September 2022. Retrieved 22 September 2022.
  15. ^ 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.
  16. ^ 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". www.prsevens.com. Retrieved 14 December 2023.
  17. ^ "Texas Team Rugby". Austin American-Statesman. Retrieved 14 December 2023.
  18. ^ Kermeen, Mat (20 June 2024). "Sevens star Sarah Hirini completes 'unbelievable' recovery for Paris Olympics". Stuff. Retrieved 21 June 2024.


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