New Zealand Women Sevens stalwarts sign off with Olympic gold
NEWS: New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson congratulated the New Zealand Womens’ Sevens team on their 19-12 gold medal win over Canada at the Paris Olympics.
“We are thrilled for the team and are incredibly proud of their performance. The players, head coach and support staff have put their heart and soul into this campaign, building throughout an impressive SVNS World Series, and to come home with the gold is the ultimate payoff,” Robinson said.
The team advanced to the Final following a 24-12 victory over the USA in the first semifinal – in front of what was the biggest crowd for a women’s event – with 130,000 fans through the gate at the Stade de France on day two of the event.
Bringing the curtain down on illustrious careers
The gold medal match signals the end of the careers of two of the most decorated women’s Sevens players in the games’ history in Portia Woodman-Wickliffe and Tyla King.
“It is a fitting farewell for Portia and Tyla especially, two of the greats of our Sevens game who have left their mark on the sport internationally. They have cemented their legacy in the sport, and we are grateful for everything they have given to the black jersey. They have always been fantastic ambassadors for our sport and our country, and we wish them every success in the future,” said Robinson.
With the formal part of the campaign now over – the team will disband for a leave period before returning to New Zealand to build towards the 2024-25 SVNS season.
“We look forward to celebrating with the team, coaches and support staff alongside our fans here at home once they return from a well-earned break,” said Robinson.
