VIDEO: New Zealand legend shocks rugby fraternity

A name that has been making the headlines for years will again vie for a spot at the World Cup.

A few months ago, All Blacks star Ma’a Nonu returned to the field when he joined French Top 14 side Toulon at 42.

And while the double World Cup winner will dream of adding another World Cup campaign to his resume, Black Ferns star Portia Woodman-Wickliffe has decided she wants to play at another one.

The 33-year-old has signed an eight-month contract with New Zealand Rugby and is set to join the Black Ferns in their first assembly this weekend.

A global star of the game, 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 to end her international retirement came into fruition over her time representing the Blues in Super Rugby Aupiki.

“By week three of Aupiki, I was at fifty percent of my decision. Each week in the 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 Sky Super Rugby Aupiki 2025 champion with the Blues, her previous achievements include winning two World Cups (2017 and 2022), two sevens World Cups (2013 and 2018) and winning Olympic and Commonwealth golds. She holds the record for top try-scorer in World Cup history.

Woodman-Wickliffe’s announcement has sent shockwaves through the entire rugby world, with Wallaroos head coach Jo Yapp describing it as ‘exciting’.

The Black Ferns will take on the Wallaroos in a couple of weeks during the World Rugby Pacific Four Series. Australia take on New Zealand in the first Laurie O’Reilly Cup Test at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium on May 10.

*Article continues below…

“Having seen her and obviously she’s been playing in the centres, it’s really exciting for the game. The World Cup is about getting the best players on that stage,” Yapp told reporters at Rugby Australia’s headquarters in Sydney.

“Having someone like Portia who’s done so much for the game, to have her at that World Cup is exciting for everyone.”

Meanwhile, fans from social media reacted with pure jubilation. One X user revealed it’s the best rugby news ever.’

While Will Owen labelled it as ‘the top 2 Easter resurrection stories’.

portia woodman coming out of international retirement and signing a new contract with the black ferns is the best rugby news ever

— Sianz (@Sianz) April 21, 2025

After much speculation, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe has confirmed she is available for selection for the Black Ferns RWC campaign. The 🐐is back in black!!!

— ELLA (@EllaFerguson28) April 21, 2025

For real Portia Woodman-Wickcliffe coming out of retirement is in the top 2 Easter resurrection stories of all time

— Will Owen (@will_owen9) April 21, 2025