New Zealand: Portia Woodman-Wickliffe retires from international rugby for second time


New Zealand’s leading try-scorer Portia Woodman-Wickliffe has announced her retirement from international rugby for a second time.

The 34-year-old winger helped the Black Ferns win the Women’s World Cup in 2017 and 2022, and initially retired after claiming a second rugby sevens gold at the 2024 Olympics.

She returned for last year’s World Cup in England, but her bid for a third-straight title was halted in the semi-finals by Canada – before New Zealand beat France to finish third.

Woodman-Wickliffe was already the record try-scorer in World Cup history and stretched her tally to 22 with two tries in England.

Her score in the pool win over Japan was her 50th international try and meant she surpassed Doug Howlett to become New Zealand’s outright record try-scorer.

The two-time World Rugby women’s player of the year will retire from both international sevens and XVs rugby.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to represent my country, my [people], one last time on the World Cup stage, a moment I will cherish forever,” she said in a message on social media, external.

“As I step into this next chapter of my life, I feel both excited and a little nervous, but I’m ready.”





Source link

  • Related Posts

    Fantasy Football Fallout: Falcons franchise tag Kyle Pitts

    The last time Matt Ryan and Kyle Pitts were on the same team it was 2021, and Pitts had a historic season. Hopefully, history will repeat itself in 2026 now…

    Yankees sign veteran outfielder and former first round pick

    The New York Yankees have added a familiar face to their spring training roster, agreeing to a minor-league contract with veteran outfielder Randal Grichuk that includes a non-roster invitation to…

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    You Missed

    Record levels of rough sleepers in England, figures reveal

    Record levels of rough sleepers in England, figures reveal

    Expensive-Looking High-Street Jackets from Zara, H&M and M&S I’m Swapping My Coats For

    Expensive-Looking High-Street Jackets from Zara, H&M and M&S I’m Swapping My Coats For

    This company claims a battery breakthrough. Now they need to prove it.

    This company claims a battery breakthrough. Now they need to prove it.

    Child, 4, arrived alone for heart surgery. His doctor became his mom.

    Child, 4, arrived alone for heart surgery. His doctor became his mom.

    Hillary Clinton set for deposition with House committee in Epstein probe

    Hillary Clinton set for deposition with House committee in Epstein probe

    Hundreds of film-makers back Berlinale director in row over winners’ Gaza comments | Berlin film festival

    Hundreds of film-makers back Berlinale director in row over winners’ Gaza comments | Berlin film festival