Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, one of the rugby legends, and one of the most decorated rugby players has decided to hang their black jersey and boots.
Portia announced on Instagram today that the upcoming Paris Olympics will be her last time 'playing in the black jersey' and internationally.
She wrote:
"After 12 incredible years representing New Zealand in 7s 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 whānau in my sisters, opportunities to see the world and experience things I never would have otherwise.
"One last dance with my sisters in Paris 🖤".
On representing Aotearoa and bringing home medals, Portia has been a Rugby World Cup winner in 2017 and 2022, a Rugby World Cup Sevens winner in 2013 and 2018, an Olympic gold and silver medalist, and a Commonwealth Games gold and bronze medalist, to name a few.
Portia is a record holder for scoring the 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.
“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 feel incredibly proud. She will be hugely missed but there is one more huge opportunity for her to go out there and to deepen the legacy she will leave behind,” Black Ferns Sevens Coach Cory Sweeney said.
New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson shared how "impossible it is to measure the impact Portia has had on rugby".
"She is a once in a generation player who reached the pinnacle on the field, on multiple occasions, and off the field has helped to grow the women’s game across the globe, where she is an incredible ambassador and represents everything great about our sport," he said.
“Within New Zealand Rugby we talk a lot about winning with mana and Portia certainly personifies that.”
We are so proud of you and everything you have achieved! You're the GOAT.
