Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, 33, has reversed her retirement from international rugby after leading Blues Women to a Sky Super Rugby Aupiki title. The legendary winger, who initially stepped away following New Zealand’s rugby sevens gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has now signed an eight-month contract with hopes of competing in the upcoming World Cup.
Woodman-Wickliffe cited deep reflection and the support of her whānau (family) in her decision to return. A record World Cup try-scorer, she previously helped the Black Ferns to world titles in 2017 and 2022.
Her accolades include:
- World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year (2015)
- World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year (XV, 2017)
- Sevens Player of the Decade (2020)
