Broughton steps down from rugby

Will Johnston 

Photo: Getty Images

Southern, Taranaki and New Zealand sevens star Gayle Broughton has called time on her international rugby career.  

The 25-year-old announced on social media she will step down from the Black Ferns and will move to Australia with her family.  

After a nine-year career in the sport, Broughton said she thanks everyone who has played a part on her journey.  

“Firstly, thanks to those who have this 16-year-old Hawera kid an opportunity of a lifetime,” she said.  

Broughton made her debut in the black jersey in 2014 at the age of 18. She scored 315 points in 112 World Series matches and has won every trophy on offer in the sevens game.  

Her list of accolades includes six World Rugby Sevens series titles, Olympic Games gold and silver medals, Commonwealth Games gold and Rugby World Cup Sevens winner. Broughton scored the match-winning try in extra-time during the Tokyo Olympic semi-final to see the team progress through and win the gold medal match.  

She had brief stints for the Taranaki Whio around her sevens commitments. She stamped her mark on Taranaki’s first even Farah Palmer Cup win in 2020 by scoring a stella try during the 32-29 win against North Harbour in Inglewood.  

After achieving all she could on the international sevens stage, Broughton said the decision was very hard.  

“But the never-ending love from the Black Ferns Sevens whanau has taught me it was the right time. You taught me that I am more than just a rugby player, that through life I must be courageous and most of all to never stop being me,” she said. 

“This game has taught me so much on and off the field, who knows what’s next, but I am extremely excited to see where this journey takes me.”   

Black Ferns sevens coach Cory Sweeney said the entire sevens programme is proud of Broughton.  

He said when she joined, she came from challenges and watched her grow into a “extremely talented rugby player and an even better person.”  

“We are so proud of her and while for now she is going in a different direction, she will always be a big part of the legacy that is the Black Ferns sevens.  

“She goes with our blessing and knows she is always a part of our whanau, and the door is always open,” Sweeney added.