SVNS Series great Portia Woodman-Wickliffe takes on coaching role

Black Ferns Sevens great Portia Woodman-Wickliffe has been announced as one of two Bolt Women coaches ahead of Ignite7 in Tauranga this weekend, overseeing a squad that includes a couple of HSBC SVNS Series players.

Woodman-Wickliffe retired from international sevens after New Zealand’s successful quest for gold at the Paris Olympics, hanging up the boots as a two-time gold medallist and a dual Rugby World Cup winner in 15s.

The New Zealander is still the all-time top try-scorer on the women’s SVNS Series, has won gold medals at the Rugby World Cup Sevens and Commonwealth Games, and was recognised in 2020 as the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Decade.

Woodman-Wickliffe has been unveiled as a Bolt Women coach along with Hare Makiri, ahead of the event on November 7 to 8 at Tauranga’s Blake Park. Danii Mafoe and Maia Davis bring Black Ferns Sevens experience into the roster.

Ella Henderson has also been named, just a few days after representing the inaugural New Zealand Under-21s side against Australia NextGen U21. Henderson started at inside centre and took on vice-captaincy duties.

Kaia Walker-Waitoa, Keira Su’a-Smith Lita Bulicakau, Phoebe Edwards, Sariyah Paitai, Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a, Sienna Stowers-Smith, Tianne Tavita Fesolai and Winnie Palamo round out the Bolt Women squad.

Matt Howling and Solomona Paraki will oversee the men’s side, which includes a player slot that is still to be filled. David Kama, Gavin Holder, Harry Carter, Jacob McKinnon, Kees Kolose, Konelio Burgess, Louis Lepionika, Reimana Saunderson-Rurawhe, Suli Pahulu, Tametai Wihongi and Taniela Maisiri make up Bolt Men.

Former All Blacks Sevens playmakers Kurt Baker and Gillies Kaka will take on coaching roles with Surge Men and Inferno Men, respectively. Two-time Olympic gold medallist Theresa Setefano is another big-name taking on coaching responsibilities.

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