Theresa Fitzpatrick

Theresa Fitzpatrick is a powerful centre for the New Zealand women’s rugby union team and Blues Women. She made her New Zealand Sevens debut in 2016 and her first appearance for the Black Ferns followed in 2022. 

Born on 25 February 1995, Theresa Fitzpatrick is not the only talented sportsperson in her family; her younger sister, Sulu Tone-Fitzpatrick, plays netball for the Silver Ferns. Both siblings played a variety of sports during their youth and Theresa’s big moment came while she was studying at the University of Auckland. 

Theresa put her medical studies on hold to make her New Zealand Sevens debut at the 2016 USA Women’s Sevens, where she scored her first international try and lifted the World Sevens trophy. Fitzpatrick also competed at the 2016 Olympics and won a silver medal. 

One year later, Theresa Fitzpatrick was selected for the 2017 Rugby World Cup. She came on as a replacement during the final against England, when the Black Ferns won 41-32 to take the title. Her next big victory came in 2019, when she featured in two games at the Women’s Rugby Super Series. Additionally, she won the World Sevens in 2019 and 2020, as well as a gold medal at the 2020 Olympics.

Fast forward to 2022 and Fitzpatrick competed in the inaugural Super Rugby Aupiki tournament. She was also included in the Black Ferns Sevens squad for the Commonwealth Games and took home a bronze medal. However, it was at the delayed 2021 Rugby World Cup where she really showcased her skills.

Theresa Fitzpatrick scored three tries during the 2021 Rugby World Cup. Her first two tries occurred during the pool stage. She scored one in the Black Ferns’ 56-12 victory against Wales and the second in their 57-0 win against Scotland. She also scored in their semi-final match against France. 

Described by her team as a ‘powerful ball carrier with explosive speed’, we look forward to watching Theresa Fitzpatrick’s next big performance.