From the Track to the Black Ferns: Kiana’s Rugby Journey
Former Sports Leader Kiana Pohe-Bright graduated from Sacred Heart in 2022 and went on to receive a prestigious Athletics scholarship at the University of Concordia Irvine in California. Now, she’s making an impressive mark in rugby after transitioning from her sprinting career.
Last year, she trialled at the New Zealand Rugby Combine in Wellington – a programme designed to identify cross-code athletes with potential for Rugby 7s and 15s. Her speed and athleticism caught the selectors’ attention, earning her a spot in the Ignite 7s tournament later that year as she made the exciting switch from track to rugby.
Her performance at Ignite opened even more doors. Following the tournament, Kiana completed additional testing within the Black Fern 7s programme. In January this year, she trained with both the Black Fern 7s and the development squad, alongside New Zealand’s elite players, and competed against China.
The hard work paid off when Kiana was named in the NZ 7s development squad for the Fiji Coral Coast Rugby 7s tournament. The team spent five days in Fiji, with three days of intense competition.
Now back in Auckland, Kiana is balancing an impressive schedule. She’s continuing her Bachelor of Science studies while working as the U21 performance analyst for the Warriors – a role she describes as “super cool.” This year, she’s based at the North Harbour Rugby Academy, where her rugby journey continues to unfold.
Former Student Selected for New Zealand Ice Hockey Team
We are thrilled to share the outstanding achievement of Lyani Goodman, who attended Sacred Heart from 2016 to 2020 and was a valued member of our 1st XI Hockey team.
Just before Christmas, Lyani received the exciting news that she had been selected for the New Zealand Ice Ferns team. She will represent her country at the IIHF World Women’s Division II tournament in Hong Kong at the end of March.
Lyani’s story shows how sport can open doors to amazing opportunities you might never have imagined.
Congratulations, Lyani!