WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Renowned rugby player Portia Woodman-Wickliffe has decided to come out of international retirement, aiming to represent New Zealand at the Women’s World Cup in Britain scheduled for later this year.
Woodman-Wickliffe, who holds the record as the leading try-scorer in the history of the Women’s World Cup with an impressive tally of 20 tries, has inked an eight-month contract with New Zealand Rugby. This contract will secure her participation through the global tournament slated for August and September.
At 33 years old, the accomplished winger boasts an impressive career, having earned two World Cup winner’s medals from 2017 and 2021 and two Olympic gold medals in rugby sevens from the competitions held in Tokyo and Paris. She also holds the record as the top try-scorer on the World Sevens Series, with an extraordinary 256 tries to her name.
Following the Olympics in Paris last year, Woodman-Wickliffe retired from international rugby. However, she has since reevaluated that choice, driven by a desire to assist the New Zealand women’s team, which faced challenges in 2024.
“By the third week of the women’s Super Rugby, I was about 50% certain of my decision,” Woodman-Wickliffe shared. “Each week during the campaign, I contemplated more and more the potential of participating in the World Cup.
“I considered what it would mean to me, but most importantly, what it would mean for my whanau (family). I needed time to process everything, and I’ve decided to make myself available for this team,” she concluded.