Back-to-back Gold: Black Ferns’ Pacific stars shine in Paris

The Black Ferns Sevens have etched their name in women’s rugby folklore as one of the best teams at the Paris Olympics.

New Zealand ended their campaign at the Games winning gold after beating Canada 19-12.

Wednesday’s win at the Stade de France also confirmed the Kiwis’ back-to-back Olympic titles.

The Black Ferns’ unbeaten run at the Olympics since Tokyo 2020 continues with New Zealand becoming the first women’s team in rugby sevens to win two gold medals at the Games.

Two years ago, they were crowned Sevens Rugby World Cup champions.

Theresa Setefano (10) running out to a sold-out Stade de France in Paris. Photo/NZ Sevens media.

Among the star-studded squad are two players of Sāmoan heritage, Porirua-born Alena Saili and Auckland-born Theresa Setefano (nee Fitzpatrick).

Saili, 25, was part of the champion Tokyo side and featured in all six of the Black Ferns Sevens matches in Paris.

She joined the Black Ferns Sevens fresh out of Southland Girls’ High School, making her debut at just 19 years old. Since then, Saili has made 123 appearances for the side scoring 43 tries.

“Feeling extremely lucky and grateful to be named in the 2024 Olympic squad with @thenzteam” she posted on social media ahead of the Games.

“To have the opportunity to compete in my second Olympic Games, I’m lucky for the unwavering support from my network - I appreciate you all, you know who you are!”.

The Southlander has been a prominent star for the Black Ferns as one of the team’s most damaging players on both attack and defence.

Setefano is one of four players in the team to win medals at three Olympic Games.

The 139-game veteran has been a prominent feature for the Black Ferns in both 7s and 15s.

Black Ferns Sevens celebrate their Olympic gold win. Photo/supplied

Setefano joins superstar wing Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Tylah King (nee Nathan-Wong), and Sarah Hirini to win two gold and one bronze with the Black Ferns Sevens.

Setefano debuted for the Black Ferns Sevens in 2016 and has featured prominently throughout the side’s success.

Her success includes two Women’s Rugby World Cups (2017, 2021), three Olympic medals (Silver at Rio 2016, Gold at Tokyo 2020 and Gold at 2024), two Commonwealth Games medals (Gold at Gold Coast 2018, Bronze at 2022 Birmingham), and one gold at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in 2018.

In announcing her participation in the 2024 Games, Setefano posted a Samoan proverb on her social media in celebration of the news.

“Matou te o i Farani 🇫🇷 Feeling truly blessed and grateful to be a part of the @nzsevens@thenzteam for the 2024 @parisolympics2024official.

“Auā e le‘i foa‘iina mai ‘iā te i tatou e le Atua le agaga e fefefe ai; a o le mana ma le alofa, ma le amio pulea.‭‭2 Timoteo‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬.

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and self-discipline.”

Find the official Olympic medal tally here.

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