Is This the Final Farewell for NZ Legend Woodman-Wickliffe?

Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, New Zealand's leading try-scorer and a two-time Women's World Cup champion, has confirmed her retirement from international rugby for the second time. At 34 years old, she leaves behind an impressive legacy, having contributed significantly to the Black Ferns' success and becoming a record try-scorer in World Cup history.

Last updated: 31 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Portia Woodman-Wickliffe's retirement marks the end of an era for New Zealand women's rugby. Having played a pivotal role in securing the Women's World Cup titles in 2017 and 2022, her departure from the international scene will undoubtedly be felt deeply among teammates and fans alike. Woodman-Wickliffe's announcement comes after a notable performance at the 2025 Women's World Cup, where she helped the Black Ferns secure a bronze medal.

Key takeaways

Woodman-Wickliffe retires as New Zealand's all-time leading try-scorer.
She won the Women's World Cup twice, in 2017 and 2022.
Her international career includes a significant contribution at the 2025 World Cup.
She is celebrated for her outstanding record in both rugby sevens and XVs.

Timeline: how we got here

The path to Woodman-Wickliffe's retirement is marked by significant milestones:

2017: Woodman-Wickliffe wins her first Women's World Cup with the Black Ferns.
2020: She claims a gold medal in rugby sevens at the Tokyo Olympics.
2022: Secures her second Women's World Cup title.
2024: Announces her initial retirement after another Olympic gold.
2025: Returns for the World Cup in England, finishing third and retiring for the second time.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Woodman-Wickliffe's retirement announcement comes as a surprise to many, especially given her recent performances in the 2025 Women's World Cup. Her decision to retire from both international sevens and XVs rugby indicates a significant shift in the landscape of New Zealand women's rugby, as she has been a central figure in the sport.

What was already established

Prior to her retirement, Woodman-Wickliffe was already known as the record try-scorer in World Cup history, with her tally standing at 22 tries following the last tournament. Her achievements on the field have established her as one of the leading figures in women's rugby globally.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The impact of Woodman-Wickliffe's retirement may be felt beyond New Zealand, particularly in the UK, where the popularity of women's rugby has been on the rise. Her legacy could inspire future generations of female rugby players, potentially increasing participation rates and interest in the sport across the UK.

Businesses and jobs

For businesses involved in sports marketing and merchandise, the retirement of a star player like Woodman-Wickliffe could influence consumer behaviour. Fans often rally around prominent athletes, and her absence may impact merchandise sales and event attendance.

Policy and regulation

From a regulatory perspective, Woodman-Wickliffe's retirement could prompt discussions on how to sustain and grow women's rugby in the UK. As more players consider retirement, there may be a greater focus on developing younger talent and ensuring that women's rugby continues to thrive at all levels.

Numbers that matter

22: Total tries scored by Woodman-Wickliffe in World Cups, the highest in history.
50: Her milestone of 50 international tries, surpassing Doug Howlett to become New Zealand's record try-scorer.
2: Number of Women's World Cup titles won (2017, 2022).
1: Initial retirement in 2024 after winning a second Olympic gold.

Definitions and jargon buster

Black Ferns: The New Zealand women's national rugby union team.
World Cup: An international rugby competition held every four years.
Rugby sevens: A variant of rugby union, featuring seven players per side, played on a full-size rugby field.
XV rugby: The traditional format of rugby union, consisting of 15 players per team.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate aftermath of Woodman-Wickliffe's retirement, fans and players alike will be reflecting on her contributions to the sport. Upcoming matches and tournaments may see tributes paid to her legacy.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the rugby community adjusts to her absence, focus may shift to nurturing emerging talents to fill the gap left by experienced players like Woodman-Wickliffe. This could involve increased support for youth programmes and grassroots initiatives.

Signals to watch

Changes in player recruitment and development programmes within New Zealand's rugby structure.
Performance of the Black Ferns in upcoming international fixtures.
Engagement levels in women's rugby events across the UK.

Practical guidance

Do

Support local women's rugby initiatives to encourage participation.
Attend matches to show support for the next generation of players.
Engage with rugby communities online to celebrate the sport's growth.

Don’t

Underestimate the impact of retiring players on the sport's visibility.
Neglect the importance of investing in women's sports.
Miss opportunities to celebrate the achievements of athletes like Woodman-Wickliffe.

Checklist

Stay informed about upcoming women's rugby events.
Follow local clubs and support their activities.
Encourage young girls to try rugby through schools and community programmes.
Engage with rugby content on social media to keep the conversation alive.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

Woodman-Wickliffe's retirement from international rugby raises questions about the future of the Black Ferns and how they will adapt to the absence of such a key player. There is uncertainty regarding how well the team can maintain its competitive edge without her experience and skill. Additionally, the ongoing growth of women's rugby may face challenges if high-profile retirements are not balanced by the emergence of new talent.

Bottom line

Portia Woodman-Wickliffe's retirement signifies a pivotal moment in women's rugby, not only for New Zealand but also for the global sport. Her influence on and off the field will be felt for years to come, and as the rugby community looks to the future, it must ensure that her legacy inspires the next generation of players.

FAQs

What are Portia Woodman-Wickliffe's career highlights?

Portia Woodman-Wickliffe's career highlights include winning the Women's World Cup in 2017 and 2022, and becoming New Zealand's all-time leading try-scorer with 22 tries in World Cup history.

When did Portia Woodman-Wickliffe announce her retirement?

Woodman-Wickliffe announced her retirement from international rugby following the 2025 Women's World Cup, where she helped her team secure a bronze medal.

How has Woodman-Wickliffe impacted women's rugby?

Portia Woodman-Wickliffe has significantly impacted women's rugby through her record-breaking performances and leadership, inspiring countless young athletes to pursue the sport.