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 made her mark in both the sevens and XVs game for more than a decade, having an impact on and off the field.
Starting as a professional netballer, Woodman-Wickliffe was introduced to rugby through the Go4Gold programme and was part of the first Black Ferns Sevens team to play on the World Series in 2012.
She boasts a stellar career with on-field accolades including being a Rugby World Cup winner in 2017 and 2022, a Rugby World Cup Sevens winner in 2013 and 2018, an Olympic gold and silver medalist, and a Commonwealth Games gold and bronze medalist.
A record holder in both games, Woodman-Wickliffe has scored the most tries in Rugby World Cups with 20, the most tries in a Black Ferns Test with eight, and the most tries in Sevens Series history with 256.
Woodman-Wickliffe has been recognized by World Rugby as Sevens Player of the Year in 2015, Women’s Player of the Year (XVs) in 2017, and in 2020 was named as the top women’s sevens player of the past decade.
“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,” she reflected 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 experience things I never would have otherwise. One last dance with my sisters in Paris,” said Woodman-Wickliffe.
New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson praised Woodman-Wickliffe’s immense contribution to the game. “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 lauded Woodman-Wickliffe as one of the all-time greats. “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,” said Sweeney.
Woodman-Wickliffe will don the black jersey for the last time when she plays for the Black Ferns Sevens in Paris, marking her third appearance at an Olympic Games.