Maia Joseph: Black Ferns Halfback and Medical Student

Introduction

Maia Joseph is a professional New Zealand rugby player who plays mainly as a halfback. She represents the Black Ferns at international level and Matatū in Super Rugby Aupiki.

She made her Black Ferns debut in 2024 and later represented New Zealand at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup. Her performance at the tournament included a memorable try against Ireland, which won an international award.

Joseph is also a medical student. She has worked to balance professional rugby with her goal of becoming a doctor.

As of August 2026, New Zealand Rugby lists her as Black Fern number 258, with 19 Test appearances, one try and five international points.

Maia Joseph Quick Facts

• Full name: Maia Joseph
• Date of birth: 25 May 2002
• Birthplace: Wellington, New Zealand
• Nationality: New Zealand
• Profession: Professional rugby union player
• Main position: Halfback
• Other position: First five-eighth
• Height: 1.70 metres
• International team: New Zealand Black Ferns
• Black Fern number: 258
• Super Rugby Aupiki team: Matatū
• Provincial team: Otago Spirit
• Black Ferns debut: 11 May 2024
• Education: University of Otago medical programme

Who Is Maia Joseph?

Maia Joseph is one of New Zealand’s leading young rugby halfbacks. She is recognised for her fast passing, movement around the field and ability to help organise attacking play.

She began playing rugby as a child and later developed through school, club and provincial competitions. Her strong performances for Otago Spirit helped her earn opportunities in Super Rugby Aupiki and the Black Ferns programme.

Joseph has also played at first five-eighth. This experience gives her a wider understanding of how a backline creates and uses space.

Her public story is not only about rugby. She has also studied medicine at the University of Otago and hopes to become a doctor.

Early Life and School Years

Maia Joseph was born in Wellington on 25 May 2002. She started playing rugby for Pōneke when she was about five years old.

Her family later moved to Dunedin while she was still at primary school. She continued to play rugby after the move and represented Columba College during her school years.

Joseph also played touch rugby while growing up. Touch helped her improve her speed, passing, movement and decision-making.

These skills later became important in her role as a halfback.

Beginning Her Senior Rugby Career

Joseph made her Farah Palmer Cup debut for Otago Spirit in 2020. She was still in her final year of school when she received the opportunity.

She played at halfback and first five-eighth for Otago. Her ability to cover both positions showed that she could control play in different ways.

At halfback, she was responsible for moving the ball quickly from breakdowns. At first five-eighth, she had more responsibility for choosing attacking options and directing the team.

Her provincial performances soon brought her wider attention.

Breakthrough in the 2022 Season

The 2022 Farah Palmer Cup season was an important stage in Joseph’s career.

She produced a series of strong performances for Otago Spirit and won the Fiao’o Fa’amausili Medal. The award recognised her as the leading player in the women’s provincial competition.

The result showed that she was becoming one of New Zealand’s most promising young backs.

Joseph also joined Chiefs Manawa during the early years of Super Rugby Aupiki. The competition gave leading New Zealand women’s players a chance to compete in a professional environment.

Knee Injury and Rugby Comeback

Joseph’s progress was interrupted by a serious knee injury. She required reconstruction surgery and faced a long recovery period.

A major injury can be difficult for any athlete. It affects training, confidence and future opportunities.

During her rehabilitation, Joseph continued working on her medical studies. Having another goal outside rugby helped her remain focused while she was unable to play.

She eventually returned to the field and rebuilt her career. Her comeback led to opportunities with Matatū and the Black Ferns.

Joining Matatū

Joseph joined Matatū for the 2024 Super Rugby Aupiki season.

She quickly became an important part of the South Island team. Her passing, kicking and ability to connect the forwards with the backs helped Matatū build its attack.

At the 2024 Matatū awards, she received the Rookie of the Year Koru Award. The honour recognised her development during her first period with the team.

Joseph continued with Matatū in later seasons. She returned to the squad for the 2026 Super Rugby Aupiki competition.

First Black Ferns Contract

In April 2024, Joseph received her first full-time Black Ferns contract.

The contract followed her performances in provincial rugby and Super Rugby Aupiki. It placed her inside New Zealand’s professional international women’s rugby programme.

Receiving a contract did not guarantee a place in every match. However, it gave her the chance to train regularly with the national squad and compete for selection.

Her first Test opportunity arrived only a few weeks later.

Black Ferns Debut

Maia Joseph made her Black Ferns debut against the United States on 11 May 2024.

She started the match at halfback in Hamilton. New Zealand won 57–5.

One of Joseph’s important moments came when she sent a cross-field kick towards Mererangi Paul, who completed a first-half hat-trick.

The performance introduced Joseph to international rugby and showed that she could make confident decisions at Test level.

She became Black Fern number 258.

Growing at International Level

After her debut, Joseph received further opportunities with the Black Ferns.

She developed her partnership with experienced players and learned how to manage the faster pace of international rugby. The halfback position requires quick thinking because the player must decide when to pass, run or kick.

Joseph became a regular member of the wider Black Ferns group as the team prepared for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

Her progress was especially important because she had returned from a major knee injury only a short time earlier.

The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup

Joseph was selected to represent New Zealand at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England.

The tournament was her first senior Rugby World Cup. She played during New Zealand’s run to the knockout stages and helped the team finish third.

The Black Ferns were defeated by Canada in the semi-final. They then beat France 42–26 in the bronze final.

Although New Zealand did not win the title, the tournament gave Joseph valuable experience against leading international teams.

Award-Winning Try Against Ireland

One of Joseph’s biggest career moments came during New Zealand’s pool match against Ireland on 7 September 2025.

The Black Ferns were leading 40–0 when Jorja Miller made a break down the right side of the field. Miller passed the ball to Joseph, who completed the move by scoring in the 81st minute.

The team try was later voted the International Rugby Players Association Women’s 15s Try of the Year.

The award was decided by rugby supporters and recognised one of the best attacking moves of the international season.

It was also Joseph’s first Test try for New Zealand.

Maia Joseph’s Current Rugby Status

As of August 2026, Joseph remains an active Black Ferns player and a member of the Matatū squad.

Her official New Zealand Rugby record lists:

• 19 international matches
• One Test try
• Five international points
• Black Fern number 258

She played for the Black Ferns during the 2026 Pacific Four Series and started matches at halfback.

Joseph also helped Matatū reach the 2026 Super Rugby Aupiki final against the Blues.

Matatū lost the final 28–21, but Joseph played an important role. She kicked three conversions, including a difficult late kick that levelled the match at 21–21.

The Blues scored with the final play to win the title.

What Position Does Maia Joseph Play?

Joseph mainly plays at halfback, which is also known as scrum-half or number nine.

The halfback collects the ball from scrums, rucks and mauls. The player then passes to the first five-eighth or chooses another attacking option.

A strong halfback needs:

• Fast and accurate passing
• Clear communication
• Good decision-making
• Awareness of space
• Strong kicking skills
• The confidence to control the speed of play

Joseph has also played at first five-eighth. Her experience in both positions helps her understand how the two main playmakers must work together.

Medical Studies

Away from rugby, Joseph has studied medicine at the University of Otago.

She completed three years of medical school before putting her studies on hold to focus on professional rugby and the 2025 World Cup.

After the tournament, she spoke about returning to university and continuing her goal of becoming a doctor.

Joseph has explained that she is interested in the human body and wants to help Māori families and communities through healthcare.

Managing elite sport and medical education is demanding. Both require long hours, careful preparation and strong concentration.

Her medical studies also gave her another source of purpose during her recovery from knee surgery.

Is Maia Joseph Related to Jamie Joseph?

Maia Joseph is the daughter of Jamie Joseph.

Jamie Joseph is a former All Black who later became a professional rugby coach. He has coached teams including the Highlanders and the Japan national side.

Maia has spoken about receiving rugby advice from her father. However, her achievements have come through her own performances in school, provincial, professional and international rugby.

Winning the Fiao’o Fa’amausili Medal, returning from injury and earning a Black Ferns contract were important steps in her individual journey.

Why Maia Joseph Is an Important New Zealand Player

Joseph represents a new generation of Black Ferns players developing through professional women’s rugby.

Her career includes several clear achievements:

• Making her provincial debut while still at school
• Winning the 2022 Farah Palmer Cup player award
• Returning after knee reconstruction surgery
• Receiving a full-time Black Ferns contract
• Playing at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup
• Winning an international try award
• Reaching the 2026 Super Rugby Aupiki final with Matatū

She is also building a career path outside sport through medicine.

For more profiles and updates about New Zealand athletes, readers can explore NZBeat’s coverage of sport and public figures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Maia Joseph?

Maia Joseph is a New Zealand rugby union player. She plays halfback for the Black Ferns and Matatū.

When was Maia Joseph born?

She was born on 25 May 2002.

Where was Maia Joseph born?

She was born in Wellington, New Zealand, and later grew up in Dunedin.

What position does Maia Joseph play?

She mainly plays at halfback. She has also played at first five-eighth.

When did Maia Joseph make her Black Ferns debut?

She made her Test debut against the United States on 11 May 2024.

What is Maia Joseph’s Black Fern number?

She is Black Fern number 258.

How many Tests has Maia Joseph played?

As of 5 August 2026, her official New Zealand Rugby profile lists 19 Test appearances.

Did Maia Joseph play at the Rugby World Cup?

Yes. She represented New Zealand at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England.

What award did Maia Joseph win in 2025?

Her try against Ireland won the International Rugby Players Association Women’s 15s Try of the Year award.

Is Maia Joseph studying medicine?

Yes. She completed three years of medical school at the University of Otago before pausing her studies to focus on rugby.

Conclusion

Maia Joseph is a Black Ferns and Matatū halfback who has built her career through school rugby, provincial competition and professional international sport.

She won a major provincial award in 2022, recovered from a serious knee injury and made her Black Ferns debut in 2024. She later represented New Zealand at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup and scored an award-winning try against Ireland.

As of August 2026, she remains an active international player with 19 Test appearances. At the same time, she continues to work towards her long-term goal of becoming a doctor.