Woodman-Wickliffe Bids To Bow Out On Olympic High

AFP/APP
Paris: Portia Woodman-Wickliffe will retire from the Olympics after Paris, and the Kiwi legend hopes to help her side defend their gold from the Tokyo Games.
Woodman-Wickliffe has shone in both the sevens and 15s formats for over a decade, transitioning from a professional netballer to becoming part of the first Black Ferns sevens team to compete in the World Series in 2012.
A Rugby World Cup winner in 2017 and 2022, a Rugby World Cup sevens winner in 2013 and 2018, an Olympic gold and silver medallist, and a Commonwealth Games gold and bronze medallist, the flyer is also a record holder in both codes.
She holds the records for the most tries in Rugby World Cups, with 20; the most tries in a Black Ferns Test, with eight; and the most tries in sevens series history, with 256.
“After 12 incredible years representing New Zealand in sevens and 15s, the upcoming Paris Olympics will be my last time playing in the black jersey,” Woodman-Wickliffe said ahead of the Paris Games.
“Rugby has provided me more than a career; it’s given me a second whanau (Māori family) in my sisters, opportunities to see the world, and experiences I never would have otherwise. One last dance with my sisters in Paris,” said the winger, who was recognised by World Rugby as Sevens Player of the Year in 2015, Women’s Player of the Year (15s) in 2017, and in 2020 was named as the top women’s sevens player of the past decade.

‘Winning With Mana’
Her influence on global rugby was acknowledged by New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson, who said, “She is a once-in-a-generation player who reached the pinnacle on the field on multiple occasions and has helped to grow the women’s game across the globe. Within New Zealand Rugby, we talk a lot about winning with mana (supernatural power), and Portia certainly personifies that.”
Kiwi coach Cory Sweeney added that he was fortunate to have a diverse squad. “We’ve got amazing experience, people who have been there and done that at massive pressure moments,” he said.
“And we’ve got the likes of Risi (Pouri-Lane) and Jazzy (Hotham) who have this youthful energy, who keep us all on our toes, drive the change in the evolution of our game, and keep pushing our leaders and senior players to be better. It’s their moment to shine this weekend.”
Joint favourites for the gold are trans-Tasman rivals Australia, gold medallists when sevens made its Olympic debut at the 2016 Rio Games.
The Australians lost to Fiji in the quarter-finals at the Covid-delayed Tokyo Olympics, but veteran Sharni Smale insisted there was no talk of redemption. Smale said Australia is confident going into Paris 2024 with a motto of “No Regrets.”
“We’re such a talented bunch,” Smale said of the squad that was crowned 2024 sevens champions after beating France in the Grand Final in Madrid in June.
“It’s time to really showcase that talent and have no regrets, having that courage. Courage is currency, to get out there and put everything on the line.”
France, who won silver in Tokyo, should also be in contention for a podium finish in the three-day tournament starting on Sunday.
“If all goes to plan, we might get France in the semi-final, which I think would be amazing to play them at home in front of a full house,” said Australia captain Charlotte Caslick. “It will be pretty crazy, but an amazing experience nonetheless.”