Woodman-Wickliffe: ‘I’m not going to do a big retirement kind of thing again’

Portia Woodman-Wickliffe admits Saturday’s Bronze Final win over France was “potentially” her final Test in the famed black jersey, with New Zealand securing a third-place finish at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

Woodman-Wickliffe was replaced 56 minutes into this clash at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium, taking a seat next to fellow two-time Olympic gold medallist and dual World Cup winner Theresa Setefano on the bench.

When the stadium announcer revealed Woodman-Wickliffe had left the contest, the thousands in attendance let out a cheer – only to outdo their own efforts a moment later. The legendary winger was shown on the big screen, and the reaction from fans was deafening.

Black Ferns captain Kennedy Tukuafu after defeat to Canada

Black Ferns captain Kennedy Tukuafu after defeat to Canada

Woodman-Wickliffe was visibly emotional as a crowd of at least 50,000 showed their support for the one many consider the ‘GOAT’ in women’s rugby. After coming out of international retirement to play at this tournament, Woodman-Wickliffe helped create more history.

Records have tumbled throughout this Women’s Rugby World Cup, capped off by a full house of about 80,000 for the final. Woodman-Wickliffe has herself made history, recently becoming the first New Zealander to score 50 Test tries, but the 34-year-old remained coy about what’s next.

“[In] the black jersey? Potentially,” Woodman-Wickliffe told reporters.

“I’ve said it once before and I’m not going to say it again, I’m not going to do a big retirement kind of thing again because that was a little bit embarrassing doing it twice.

“For me, I want to have babies. Where I go after that, who knows. I still want to play rugby, I’m gonna have to start a goldie oldies girls team because there’s nothing at home.

“Ultimately I want to keep playing rugby. Whether this is my last time in the black jersey, who knows.”

Woodman-Wickliffe led the way with a game-high 10 carries during the first term, working hard off the ball to make an impact. While the winger gave it everything, it didn’t take long for New Zealand to take control against the French.

Ruahei Demant, Sylvia Brunt, Renee Holmes and Laura Bayfield scored a try each as the Black Ferns built up a 26-7 lead heading into the half-time break. In the second term, a rising star continued to turn heads by scoring tries for fun.

At just 18 years old, Braxton Sorensen-McGee touched the ball down for a second-half double. Those efforts saw the teenager extend her tournament tally to 11, which was only two shy of Woodman-Wickliffe’s all-time record for tries scored at a single World Cup.

“She’s such a superstar. Her calmness, her maturity – I don’t think I ever had that. I was really fortunate to play alongside some amazing Black Ferns,” Woodman-Wickliffe reflected.

“Brax is just out there doing her thing and being an absolute star.”

France scored 19 unanswered points late in the piece, setting up a grandstand finish. It was a 13-point game with less than 10 minutes to play, but the New Zealanders hung on, with Holmes knocking over a last-minute penalty to secure the victory.