‘Her strength gave me strength’: The story behind Kelsey Teneti’s season

Kelsey Teneti was in devastating form for the Black Ferns Sevens during their HSBC SVNS league championship success. She scored 26 tries, equal with teammate and World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year Jorja Miller and just behind prolific Australian Maddison Levi. New Zealand stormed to five Cup titles in six events with a 28-2 win-loss record.

The Black Ferns Sevens opened the season by stopping Australia’s five-year, 28-game winning streak in Dubai. Then in Perth, they snapped the Aussies’ ten-game winning streak at HBF Park with a 29-7 win in the final. Teneti was named player of the match in a final for the first time and led the tournament in try scoring with eight tries in five matches.

It was a powerhouse performance she dedicated to her now late grandmother – Oma (which is Dutch for grandmother).

“I told Oma I wasn’t going to play in Perth. She was very sick but insisted I go,” Teneti told RugbyPass.

“She battled cancer with such courage for six years, originally diagnosed with breast cancer after her 80th birthday. She loved watching me play. Her strength gave me strength.

“Oma was a special lady. She played hockey in her youth and always told me she would have gone further if she hadn’t had babies. 1958 was a different time.

“I grew up playing every sport, mostly hockey, as I thought I would end up playing for the Black Sticks. In the freezing Gisborne winters, Oma would sit on the sideline in a small chair, wrapped in a blanket, cheering me on.

“Later, when I went to Hamilton Girls’ for my last two years of college, I got right into rugby. Oma had her cancer treatment at the same time, which was good for both of us.

“Oma stayed with me during the second Covid lockdown – we were like flatmates in my townhouse. She was an awesome cook and took care of all the little things that mattered. We had the best time. I will never forget her support, even as she dealt with her own health. Oma was 86 when she passed. She lived a full life and set a great example for me.

“My Oma and Opa met in Mataura. Opa came to New Zealand after World War II. He was 19. Back then, Oma had asked Opa a question when delivering mail, and she realised he did not know English very well. Oma suggested, ‘You better bloody learn some,’ and they lived happily ever after; 67 years, 6 children, 14 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren later.”

Teneti was able to attend her Oma’s tangi (funeral) before rejoining the Black Ferns Sevens just in time for the Vancouver Sevens, where they won a close final against Australia, 24-17. With the scores tied at 17-17, Risi Pouri-Lane stepped past her opposite and released Stacey Waaka, who ran 40 metres toward the corner flag before passing to Alena Saili, positioning her closer to the posts.

In Los Angeles, the Black Ferns Sevens won an even tighter battle against Australia, 22-21. Trailing 21-10, the Black Ferns rallied to win, with Teneti scoring a try after a breathless 16-pass sequence.

“I was disappointed to miss the Olympics in 2024. I was named as the 15th woman and sent home when the girls went into the village. That became a catalyst for me to reevaluate my game and work harder to improve,” Teneti said.

“I experienced some self-doubt, but with more game time and a greater leadership role, I have found my feet and am playing to my strengths. I would love to play at the Olympics in 2028.”

Coach Cory Sweeney has praised Teneti’s powerful approach and ability not to “overplay her hand.”

Her priority this weekend is to help the Black Ferns Sevens defend their Hong Kong title, which they won last year in a thrilling final against Australia 26-19, with Jorja Miller scoring three tries.

As Hong Kong celebrates its 50th anniversary this weekend, much of the Black Ferns’ focus is on honouring past pioneers, including Aotearoa Maori, who won 33 consecutive matches and the women’s tournament every year from 2002 to 2007. Coach Peter Joseph sold his house to fundraise for the event. Before that, unofficial New Zealand “Wild Ducks” teams won in 1997 and 1999. New Zealand’s official Sevens team won in 2000 and 2001.

“We’ve had Hannah Porter, who was in the Wild Ducks team, with us this week. It’s special to recognise the talent and sacrifices of the women who paved the way for us,” Teneti said.

The Black Ferns Sevens are grouped with Brazil, Japan, and Fiji in the expanded 12-team Grand Final field. The Black Ferns have recorded 72 wins and one draw against these teams combined.

The Black Ferns Sevens have won 377 out of 417 SVNS matches and 61 of the 93 tournaments they have contested all-time. Overall, they have won 527 out of 579 matches.