The 24-year-old’s new contract locks in one of the Black Ferns’ most experienced and durable players, and with 41 test caps already, she is the ninth-most-capped Black Fern of all time.
‘‘Representing the Black Ferns and the Blues is something I never take for granted, so I’m incredibly grateful to continue my journey with both teams for the next three years,’’ Roos said.
‘‘I’ve truly grown up in these environments. They’ve played a huge role in shaping me as a person, player and leader.
‘‘I’m excited to continue learning, evolving and serving the teams that have given so much to me, while doing my part to contribute to their legacies.’’
Since her debut against England in 2021, Roos has played in 38 of 40 Black Ferns tests, including every test in the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
Her consistency in 2022 earned a nomination for World Rugby’s 15s breakthrough player of the year, and a year later she became the youngest player to clead the Black Ferns against the United States in Ottawa.
‘‘Maia is someone who consistently puts the team first and leads from the front through her actions,’’ Black Ferns coach Whitney Hansen said.
‘‘She has stamped her mark as a prominent figure within the Black Ferns tight five through consistent dominant performances.
‘‘She has achieved a lot at a young age, and I’m excited about what’s ahead for her as she has the qualities to become a Black Fern whose influence reaches far beyond the field.’’
Roos has also become the first Black Fern to align her contract with her Super Rugby Aupiki club, meaning she will be a Blues player for the next three seasons.
The former Tamaki College head girl represented Auckland while still at school and has gone on to play every minute of her 24 games for the Blues since her debut in 2021.
‘‘This is a significant milestone for the club in terms of our future,’’ Blues coach Willie Walker said.
‘‘Maia has been with us from the start, so to have that stability with her desire to stay with the Blues and keep growing alongside us is pretty special.’’ — Allied Media
