A then-pregnant Brake signed her new contract in late 2025 with NZR’s full support through maternity leave and confidence she’d be fit and ready return to training in 2026.
Brake, 30, said she was looking forward to easing back into the Black Ferns Sevens environment in the coming months, but knows she will have to fight for her place.
“The last nine months have been humbling, pregnancy has been a journey and it’s made me appreciate women’s bodies a lot more than I did before. The arrival of my son Harvey has been such a joy and I’m now in a place mentally where I want to come back.
“I love this team and this game so much. It’s been incredibly exciting watching the young talent come through. They’ve stepped up massively this year and I’m so proud of them. But when I come back, I’m going to be that aunty that’s annoying, and I’m going to be fighting for my position.”
Brake expects some “trial and error” as she eases back into training but knows she has the full support of her family, coaches and teammates
“I now call myself a fulltime mum and a part time rugby player because the well-being of my son comes first, so the fact I’m able to still be able to play rugby and come back to the Black Ferns Sevens is such a privilege.
“I’m very lucky to be in a position where I can come back and to have so much support around me who are helping me along the way.”
Women’s Sevens most prolific try scorer with 273 five-pointers, Brake last wore the Black Ferns Sevens jersey in May 2025 in Los Angeles where New Zealand was crowned World Series winners for the eighth time.
Black Ferns Head Coach Cory Sweeney was looking forward to Brake’s fulltime return to the team environment later in the year.
“Michaela is hugely important to our group, not only for what she brings to the field but also as a positive influence in the way she carries herself and the intensity, focus and professionalism she brings to training every day.
“She has stayed connected with our group, but we’re looking forward to officially welcoming her back to the environment.”
Sweeney said there was no hard deadline on her return to match play.
“She’s a remarkable athlete and incredibly competitive, but we’ll take our time and manage her transition back into training through the second half of the year.”
NZR Head of Women’s High Performance Hannah Porter said:
“Michaela was clear around her intention to return to Sevens and NZR wanted to be there to support her through her pregnancy and give her the certainty that our door was open when she was ready to resume her career.
“We’re thrilled she feels ready to return and is in a great place both physically and mentally after such a significant period in her life. She has always been an inspiring figure within our game, and her return once again highlights what is possible for athletes balancing both motherhood and high performance sport.”
