A proven try-scorer with deceptively quick feet and exceptional vision, Carla Hohepa starred for New Zealand in the inaugural Women's Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai, ending the tournament as the leading try scorer despite losing the final in sudden-death extra-time to Australia.

Hohepa also enjoyed a visit to England in November 2009 where she scored a brace of tries in the 48-3 victory over England A at Esher.

A teacher off the Rugby field, Hohepa seeks to inspire other youngsters, admitting that life as a teenager can be greatly enhanced through sport: "Physical education really helped me keep going because I had such an awesome teacher. I would love to support other young people to really help them believe they can go somewhere in life."