Rugby-New Zealand's Woodman-Wickliffe retires for second time


Rugby Union - Women's World Cup 2025 - Pool C - New Zealand v Japan - Sandy Park, Exeter, Britain - August 31, 2025 New Zealand's Portia Woodman-Wickliffe scores their first try Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra

Feb 26 (Reuters) - New ⁠Zealand try-scoring machine Portia Woodman-Wickliffe has ⁠announced her second retirement from international ‌rugby after coming back to play in her third Women's World Cup last year.

The twice Olympic champion and ​back-to-back World Cup winner ⁠confirmed on social media ⁠she would be walking away from both 'Black Ferns' ⁠women's ‌squads in rugby sevens and XVs.

"I am deeply grateful for the ⁠opportunity to represent my country ... one ​last time ‌on the World Cup stage, a moment ⁠I ​will cherish forever," the 34-year-old winger wrote.

"As I step into this next chapter of my ⁠life, I feel both excited ​and a little nervous, but I'm ready."

Woodman-Wickliffe, a twice World Player of the Year, bows ⁠out with a slew of records, including the most tries in World Cups (22) and the most for New Zealand.

She became the ​first New Zealander, man or ⁠woman, to notch up 50 tries in ​tests when she scored ‌against Japan at the World ​Cup last year.

(Reporting by Ian Ransom in Melbourne; Editing by Peter Rutherford)

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Rugby

Rugby-Springboks to face Australia in Perth in September
Rugby-Fiji to play home matches in Nations Championship in Britain
Rugby-Brumbies and Jorgensen give Wallabies hope after wipe-out in Europe
Rugby-Six Nations breaks for a week but tantalising conclusion lies ahead
Rugby-France stay in Six Nations charge with win over Italy
Rugby-Brumbies maul champions Crusaders in historic Super Rugby win
Rugby-Late Turner try earns Scotland 26-23 comeback win in Wales
Rugby-Ragged England undone by Ireland's greater desire and intent
Rugby-Ireland demolish sloppy England in record 42-21 victory
Rugby-Waratahs coach McKellar determined to keep Jorgensen fit for Super Rugby challenge

Others Also Read