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 standout in both sevens and XVs rugby for over a decade, making significant impacts both on and off the field.
Initially a professional netballer, Woodman-Wickliffe transitioned to rugby through the Go4Gold programme and was part of the first Black Ferns Sevens team to compete in the World Series in 2012.
Her career highlights include winning the Rugby World Cup in 2017 and 2022, the Rugby World Cup Sevens in 2013 and 2018, an Olympic gold and silver medal, and Commonwealth Games gold and bronze medals.
Woodman-Wickliffe holds numerous 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, earning Sevens Player of the Year in 2015, Women’s Player of the Year (XVs) in 2017, and being 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 stated 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.”
New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson lauded Woodman-Wickliffe, saying, “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 also praised her achievements. “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 to deepen the legacy she will leave behind,” he said.
Woodman-Wickliffe will wear the black jersey for the last time when she competes for the Black Ferns Sevens in Paris, marking her third appearance at an Olympic Games.