Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, one of the most recognizable and decorated players in world rugby, will retire after the Paris Olympics. A fan favorite, Woodman-Wickliffe has been a standout in both sevens and XVs rugby for over a decade, impacting the game on and off the field.
Originally a professional netball player, Woodman-Wickliffe switched to rugby through the Go4Gold programme and was part of the first Black Ferns Sevens team in the World Series in 2012. She has since accrued several major accolades including Rugby World Cup wins in 2017 and 2022, Rugby World Cup Sevens victories in 2013 and 2018, an Olympic gold and silver medal, and Commonwealth Games gold and bronze medals.
She holds multiple records, including most tries in Rugby World Cups with 20, most tries in a Black Ferns Test with eight, and most tries in Sevens Series history with 256. World Rugby recognized her as 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, Woodman-Wickliffe said on social media, “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 experiences I never would have otherwise. One last dance with my sisters in Paris.”
New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson honored her contributions, stating, “It is impossible to measure the impact Portia has had on rugby. She is a once-in-a-generation player who has reached the pinnacle on the field multiple times and off the field has helped grow the women’s game globally, where she is an incredible ambassador for our sport.”
Black Ferns Sevens Coach Cory Sweeney echoed this sentiment, saying, “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 incredibly proud. She will be hugely missed but has one more huge opportunity to deepen her legacy in Paris.”
Woodman-Wickliffe will wear the black jersey for the last time at the Paris Olympics, marking her third appearance at the Games.