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Black Ferns Legend Portia Woodman-Wickliffe Comes Out Of Retirement For Rugby World Cup
The Black Ferns World Cup campaign has received a major boost, with Portia Woodman-Wickliffe announcing she is stepping out of international retirement with her sights set on a third Rugby World Cup.
The Black Ferns legend has signed an eight-month contract with New Zealand Rugby and is set to join the Black Ferns in their first assembly this weekend.
This year's Women's Rugby World Cup is scheduled to take place in England between 22 August and 27 September.
The Black Ferns build up to the World Cup has been less than ideal with the world champions suffering a number of losses in 2024.
Woodman-Wickliffe holds the record for top try-scorer in Rugby World Cup history and could be a game-changer as the Black Ferns seek to defend their title.
Woodman-Wickliffe announced her international retirement last year, after winning her second Olympic gold medal with the Black Ferns Sevens in Paris.
Woodman-Wickliffe said the decision came into fruition over her time representing the Blues in Sky Super Rugby Aupiki.
"By week three of Aupiki I was at 50 percent of my decision. Each week in campaign I thought about the possibility of how I could potentially go to the World Cup more and more. I thought about what it would mean to me but most importantly my whānau. I needed time to process everything and making myself available for this team is where I've landed," Woodman Wickliffe said.
"When I said I was going to retire from sevens it was based around having babies, 2025 was about exploring as many opportunities as I could so that when I do end up having them, I can say I've tried as much as I can."
A recent Super Rugby Aupiki 2025 champion with the Blues, her previous achievements include winning two Rugby World Cups (2017 and 2022), two sevens Rugby World Cups (2013 and 2018) and winning Olympic and Commonwealth golds.
Woodman-Wickliffe was also recognised by World Rugby as Sevens Player of the Year in 2015, Women's Player of the Year (XVs) in 2017 and in 2020, was named the top women's sevens player of the decade.
"Portia is an exceptional human and I know she will enhance our Black Ferns environment," Black Ferns Director of Performance Allan Bunting said.
"On the field, she is someone who knows what it takes to win pinnacle events. The game has shifted, and I know Portia is excited about the growth she still has and the contribution she can give. Her natural ability to inspire others, her amazing athleticism, knowledge of the game and skillset will have a huge influence on all those around here. I'm really looking forward to seeing her contribution to the team."
NZR Head of Women's High Performance Hannah Porter said it's exciting to have someone of her calibre in the Black Ferns.
"We are thrilled to have Portia commit to New Zealand Rugby and the Black Ferns. She's one of the most globally recognised names in women's rugby and an incredible ambassador for the game. The significant influence and positive impact she will continue to have on and off the field will be beneficial for all," Porter said.
NZR CEO Mark Robinson said it was exciting news in a pinnacle year for women's rugby.
"Portia is a true great of the game in both XVs and sevens. Her experience, talent and high standards will add an extra edge to the Black Ferns environment. I'm sure fans all over the world are looking forward to seeing her in the black jersey again."
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