New Zealand star flirts with retirement after emotional Twickenham ovation
REACTION: New Zealand legend Portia Woodman-Wickliffe hinted that she may have played her final Test after helping the Black Ferns secure bronze at the 2025 Rugby World Cup.
The 34-year-old wing was subbed off in the 56th minute of Saturday’s 28-19 victory over France at Twickenham, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd.
Fans erupted as she appeared on the big screen, while Woodman-Wickliffe herself was emotional even before kickoff as she stepped off the team bus.
The Black Ferns great came out of retirement for this tournament and made history by becoming the first New Zealander to score 50 Test tries.
Asked if the bronze final would be her last international, Woodman-Wickliffe said: “Potentially.
“I’ve said it once before and I’m not going to do a big retirement kind of thing again – it was a little embarrassing the first time.
“For me, I want to have babies. After that, who knows? I still want to play rugby – maybe I’ll have to start a golden oldies girls’ team because there’s nothing at home.
“Whether this is my last time in the black jersey, who knows.”
Regardless of her own future, Woodman-Wickliffe is confident the next generation will keep the Black Ferns at the top of the women’s game.
She singled out 18-year-old Braxton Sorensen-McGee, who scored 11 tries at the tournament – just two shy of Woodman-Wickliffe’s own record for most tries 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.
“Brax is just out there doing her thing and being an absolute star.”
