Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, one of the most renowned and celebrated players in global rugby, is set to retire from international rugby following the Paris Olympics. A fan favorite, Woodman-Wickliffe has made her mark in both sevens and XVs rugby over the span of more than a decade, influencing the sport both on and off the field.
Originally a professional netballer, she transitioned to rugby through the Go4Gold program and was part of the inaugural Black Ferns Sevens team that competed in the World Series in 2012.
Woodman-Wickliffe’s career boasts numerous accolades: she is a Rugby World Cup champion in 2017 and 2022, Rugby World Cup Sevens champion in 2013 and 2018, and an Olympic gold and silver medalist. Additionally, she has earned gold and bronze medals in the Commonwealth Games.
Holding several records, she has the most tries in Rugby World Cups (20), most tries in a Black Ferns Test (eight), and is the leading try-scorer in Sevens Series history with 256 tries. World Rugby has honored her achievements by naming her Sevens Player of the Year in 2015, Women’s Player of the Year (XVs) in 2017, and the top women’s sevens player of the past decade in 2020.
Reflecting on her career on social media, Woodman-Wickliffe stated, “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. Rugby has provided me more than a career; it’s given me a second whanau in my sisters, opportunities to see the world and experience things I never would have otherwise. One last dance with my sisters in Paris.”
New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson remarked, “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 on multiple occasions, and off the field, has helped to grow the women’s game across the globe, where she is an incredible ambassador and represents everything great about our sport.”
Black Ferns Sevens Coach Cory Sweeney added, “It’s been a real privilege to be part of Portia’s journey over the past eight years. Watching her dominate and influence the game makes me feel incredibly proud. She will be hugely missed, but there is one more huge opportunity for her to go out there and deepen the legacy she will leave behind.”
Woodman-Wickliffe will wear the black jersey for the last time during the Paris Olympics, marking her third appearance at the Games.