Portia Woodman-Wickliffe says goodbye to retirement and hello to one last shot with New Zealand
In a move that has both surprised and delighted the rugby world, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe—one of the most decorated players in women’s rugby history—has officially reversed her international retirement, pledging her commitment to New Zealand for a shot at the 2025 World Cup.
Having previously bowed out after helping the Black Ferns Sevens clinch gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the 33-year-old winger has now signed an eight-month contract that could see her wearing the silver fern once again on the global stage.
“I needed time to process everything,” she said in a heartfelt statement. “Each week in campaign I thought about the possibility of how I could potentially go to the World Cup more and more. I thought about what it would mean to me, but most importantly my whanau [family]. Making myself available for this team is where I’ve landed.”
From Legendary Exit to Emotional Return
When Woodman-Wickliffe walked away from international rugby last year, it felt like the perfect send-off. She had nothing left to prove. A dual-code World Cup winner, the record try-scorer in World Cup history, and a player who redefined power and pace on the wing—she’d cemented her legacy across both sevens and fifteens.
In many ways, it was the kind of retirement athletes dream of: on top, with medals in hand and her name etched into the sport’s all-time records. But for players like Portia, who live and breathe the game, it’s rarely that simple.
The turning point came during her time with the Blues Women in Sky Super Rugby Aupiki, where her form was nothing short of inspiring. Her performances weren’t just dominant—they were joyful. She played like someone rediscovering the love of the game, and the team reaped the rewards, ultimately lifting the Aupiki title.
That victorious campaign, and the sense of unfinished business on the XVs side of the sport, stirred something in her.
A Legacy That Transcends Numbers
It’s hard to overstate what Woodman-Wickliffe means to New Zealand rugby. Since debuting in black, she has set standards few can match—on the wing and off the field. Her trophy cabinet spans almost every accolade rugby can offer:
- World Cup titles in 2017 and 2022
- Olympic gold and silver in rugby sevens
- Named World Rugby’s Women’s Player of the Year in 2017
- Sevens Player of the Year in 2015
- Crowned World Rugby’s Sevens Player of the Decade in 2020
But it’s not just the silverware. Portia’s playing style—a rare blend of speed, strength, and instinct—reshaped the women’s game. She brought a new level of athleticism to the wing position, and in doing so, inspired an entire generation of girls across Aotearoa and beyond.
Retirement Was Real—Until It Wasn’t
What makes this return even more meaningful is that her retirement wasn’t just for show. By all accounts, it was a genuine decision, made with peace of mind and a sense of fulfillment. There were no teasers or drawn-out farewells. Portia walked away quietly, content with what she’d given—and what the game had given her.
But as she says herself, time and reflection have a funny way of reshaping your perspective.
“There was no ‘aha’ moment really,” she said. “Just a feeling that started small and kept growing. I watched the girls train, saw how much it still meant to them, and realised—maybe it still means that much to me too.”
The decision to come back wasn’t rushed. Portia took time away from the spotlight, sought the counsel of her family—her whanau—and slowly let the idea settle. What emerged was not just a desire to play, but a belief that she still has something special to offer.
2025 in Sight—and in Reach
The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, set to be hosted in England, looms as the next big target for Woodman-Wickliffe. If selected, it would mark her third XVs World Cup appearance, a full decade after her triumphant breakout in 2017.
There’s no doubt she faces a different challenge this time around. The women’s game has grown rapidly in recent years, and New Zealand’s player pool is deeper than ever. But few, if any, can match the big-game experience and try-scoring instinct that Woodman-Wickliffe brings.
Her inclusion would not only provide a huge boost to the Black Ferns’ backline but also serve as a guiding light for the younger players coming through. For all her accolades, she’s known just as much for her humility, leadership, and ability to bring a team together.
Bigger Than Just a Comeback
This is more than a comeback story. It’s a reminder that careers don’t always follow a straight path—and that athletes don’t owe us linear narratives. For Woodman-Wickliffe, this return isn’t about proving anything to the outside world. It’s about answering a quiet internal call. About chasing one more moment. And about honouring her journey on her own terms.
“I’m doing this for me, for my whanau, and for the love of the game,” she said. “If I can help the team, even in a small way, then it’ll all be worth it.”
With her trademark drive and unmatched resume, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe’s return is bound to add another compelling chapter to an already legendary career. And for rugby fans—especially in New Zealand—it’s a chance to see one of the all-time greats grace the field once more.
