Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, one of the most recognizable and decorated players in world rugby, will retire from international rugby after the Paris Olympics.
A fan favorite, Woodman-Wickliffe has excelled in both the sevens and XVs game for over a decade, influencing the sport both on and off the field.
Initially a professional netballer, Woodman-Wickliffe transitioned to rugby through the Go4Gold programme and became part of the first Black Ferns Sevens team to play on the World Series in 2012.
Her accolades include winning the Rugby World Cup in 2017 and 2022, the Rugby World Cup Sevens in 2013 and 2018, Olympic gold and silver medals, and Commonwealth Games gold and bronze medals.
Woodman-Wickliffe is a record holder in both forms of the game, with the most tries in Rugby World Cups (20), the most tries in a Black Ferns Test (8), and the most tries in Sevens Series history (256).
She was honored by World Rugby as Sevens Player of the Year in 2015, Women’s Player of the Year (XVs) in 2017, and was named the top women’s sevens player of the past decade in 2020.
“After 12 incredible years representing New Zealand in sevens and 15s, the upcoming Paris Olympics will be my last time playing in the black jersey,” Woodman-Wickliffe shared on social media.
“Rugby has provided me more than a career; it’s given me a second whanau (family) in my sisters, opportunities to see the world, and experiences I never would have otherwise. One last dance with my sisters in Paris,” she said.
New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson acknowledged her invaluable contribution to the sport.
“It is impossible to measure the impact Portia has had on rugby. She is a once-in-a-generation player who reached the pinnacle on the field multiple times and has helped to grow the women’s game globally. She is an incredible ambassador and represents everything great about our sport,” Robinson said.
Black Ferns Sevens Coach Cory Sweeney praised her as one of the all-time greats.
“It’s been a privilege to be part of Portia’s journey over the past eight years. Watching her dominate and influence the game makes me incredibly proud. She will be hugely missed, but there is one more huge opportunity for her to deepen the legacy she will leave behind,” Sweeney said.
Woodman-Wickliffe will make her final appearance in the black jersey with the Black Ferns Sevens in Paris, marking her third participation in the Olympic Games.