Maia Joseph

BIOGRAPHY

Black Fern #258

Maia Joseph has continued to grow into one of the most exciting young halfbacks in New Zealand rugby, bringing speed, composure and sharp decision-making to the Black Ferns and Matatū. Known for her crisp service, Joseph has built on her strong return to rugby to become an influential presence in 2025.

Joseph began her rugby journey with Pōneke in Wellington at just five years old, later playing for University and Dunedin clubs before making her Farah Palmer Cup debut for Otago Spirit in 2020. Her breakout season came in 2022 when she was awarded the Fiao’o Fa’amausili Medal as the competition’s Player of the Year, highlighting her potential at a young age.

After overcoming a knee injury setback, Joseph returned to the field in 2024, making her debut for Matatū in Super Rugby Aupiki and earning her first Black Ferns cap during the Pacific Four Series against USA. That resilience set the platform for a strong 2025 campaign.

In 2025, Joseph cemented her place in the Black Ferns squad, delivering standout performances at halfback. Her confidence and control continued to grow at Test level, marking her as a key part of the team’s next generation of leaders.

Rugby pedigree runs deep in the Joseph family, with Maia being the daughter of former All Black and Highlanders Head Coach Jamie Joseph, but she has forged her own path and off the field continues her medical studies to become a doctor.