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 been a star in both the sevens and XVs format for over a decade, making a significant impact both on and off the field.
Originally a professional netballer, Woodman-Wickliffe was introduced to rugby through the Go4Gold program and was part of the first Black Ferns Sevens team to play in 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, as well as earning Olympic gold and silver medals, and Commonwealth Games gold and bronze medals.
Woodman-Wickliffe holds multiple records, including 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.
She 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 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 wrote 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,” said Woodman-Wickliffe.
New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson commended Woodman-Wickliffe’s enormous 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 multiple times and has helped grow the women’s game globally, representing everything great about our sport.”
Black Ferns Sevens Coach Cory Sweeney praised 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 deepen the legacy she will leave behind,” said Sweeney.
Woodman-Wickliffe will wear the black jersey for the final time when she plays for the Black Ferns Sevens in Paris, marking her third appearance at an Olympic Games.