Portia Woodman, Rugby Star

Portia Woodman-Wickliffe is one of the most celebrated figures in women’s rugby history. Known for her extraordinary speed, fierce try-scoring ability, and inspirational leadership, she has become a household name in New Zealand and around the world. From her early years in Kawakawa to her record-breaking performances on the world stage, this is the full story of her life — from birth to 2025.

Early Life: Roots in New Zealand

Portia Woodman was born on 12 July 1991 in the town of Kawakawa, located in the Northland region of New Zealand. She grew up in a family where sports were a big part of daily life. Her parents, Kawhena and Kathryn Woodman, were both educators, teaching in schools while nurturing a strong love of athletics in their children.

Family Influence

Portia’s family background played a significant role in shaping her future:

• Father: Kawhena Woodman — a former rugby player who represented New Zealand at the national level and was associated with the All Blacks during the 1980s.

• Uncle: Fred Woodman — also played rugby for the All Blacks, adding another layer of athletic achievement to her family’s legacy.

• Aunt: Te Aroha Keenan — a former Silver Fern (New Zealand’s national netball team), which meant elite sport was celebrated and respected in her household.

Portia grew up alongside her siblings Baden and Dalton, and from a young age was recognized for her natural athleticism and competitiveness.

Growing Up: A Sporting Childhood

Although born in Kawakawa, Portia’s early years were deeply influenced by New Zealand’s strong sporting culture — particularly in rugby, netball, and athletics. As a child, she was very active and joined school teams in multiple sports. Teachers and coaches quickly noticed her speed and agility, and she began to develop a reputation as a gifted young athlete.

Athletics and Netball

Before rugby became her primary sport, Portia was involved in:

• Athletics — where her speed on the track turned heads at school events.

• Netball — she played at a high level and eventually joined the Northern Mystics, a franchise in New Zealand’s professional netball league.

Her netball career lasted into her late teens and early twenties, but it was during this time that her raw running ability started to show signs of greatness that would later define her rugby career.

Turning to Rugby: A Rising Star (2012–2013)

Portia’s transition to rugby came relatively late compared to many elite players. In 2012, at age 21, she switched focus from netball to rugby sevens when she joined New Zealand’s Go for Gold program — a talent identification initiative designed to find athletes with Olympic potential.

First Steps in International Rugby

She quickly earned her place in the national Black Ferns Sevens team and made an immediate impact:

• 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens (Moscow) — Portia exploded onto the global scene by scoring a remarkable 12 tries during the tournament, helping New Zealand win the championship.

That breakthrough performance established her as one of the most exciting new talents in world rugby and set the stage for a dazzling international career.

Climbing to the Top: Olympic and World Cup Success

Sevens Rugby

Portia Woodman was among the first wave of women to elevate rugby sevens into the global spotlight. The sport debuted at the Olympics in 2016, and she played a pivotal role for New Zealand:

• 2016 Summer Olympics (Rio) — won the silver medal with the Black Ferns Sevens team.

• 2020 Summer Olympics (Tokyo, held in 2021) — earned gold, marking New Zealand’s first Olympic title in women’s rugby sevens.

• 2024 Summer Olympics (Paris) — again achieved gold, making her a two-time Olympic champion in sevens.

During her sevens career, Portia became known as one of the greatest try-scorers in the history of the World Rugby Sevens Series. In 2022, she was the first woman to record 200 tries and later extended that milestone to 250 tries.

Fifteens Rugby

While her sevens success was remarkable, Portia also made an enormous impact in the traditional fifteen-a-side game:

• 2017 Rugby World Cup — helped the Black Ferns win the XVs Rugby World Cup title.

• 2021 Rugby World Cup — again part of the championship-winning Black Ferns squad.

• 2025 Rugby World Cup — returned from temporary retirement to compete once more for New Zealand, breaking records and leading in try-scoring.

By August 2025, she had surpassed every other New Zealand player — male or female — in test rugby try-scoring, reaching the milestone of 50 test tries.

Style of Play: Why She’s Special

Portia Woodman is widely regarded as one of the most thrilling athletes in rugby because of:

• Explosive Speed — her acceleration and top-end pace make her a constant scoring threat.

• Agility and Footwork — able to evade defenders with quick pivots and changes of direction.

• Athletic Strength — despite her relatively modest size for international rugby, she combines power with balance.

• Game Intelligence — excellent positioning and intuitive understanding of the sport.

These traits have led commentators and teammates to compare her to legendary players like Jonah Lomu — one of the greatest wingers in rugby history — albeit in the women’s game.

Off the Field: Personal Life and Influence

Beyond her sporting achievements, Portia Woodman is known for her humility, leadership, and influence on women’s sport.

Family and Personal Life

• Portia is married to Renee Wickliffe, a fellow New Zealand rugby international.

• They share a daughter, Kaia, and Portia often speaks about how important family support has been throughout her career.

Her strong connection with her family, cultural heritage (she is of Māori descent), and love for community have made her a role model both in New Zealand and globally.

Leadership and Advocacy

Portia has been outspoken about:

• Promoting women’s sports globally

• Encouraging youth participation in athletics

• Supporting Māori culture and identity in sports

She participates in outreach programs, youth clinics, and public speaking events to inspire young athletes — especially girls — to pursue their dreams.

Retirement and Comeback

After the 2024 Paris Olympics, Portia initially announced her retirement from international rugby sevens to focus on life beyond the sport. However, her competitive spirit drew her back in 2025 when she joined the New Zealand XVs and Super Rugby Aupiki competitions, aiming for success at the 2025 Rugby World Cup.

Her brief retirement decision was motivated by family planning and a desire to explore life off the pitch — but her return showed her love for the sport and her readiness for one more challenge.

Net Worth (2025 Estimate)

Estimating the net worth of an athlete like Portia Woodman is inherently difficult because it includes earnings from:

• National team contracts

• Club rugby contracts

• Sponsorships and brand endorsements

• Personal appearances

According to publicly available estimates, as of 2025 her net worth is believed to be in the range of $2.4 million USD. This figure reflects her success on and off the field, including decades of top-tier rugby and global recognition.

Legacy and Impact

Portia Woodman’s legacy is far deeper than statistics and trophies. She has:

• Transformed women’s rugby into a globally recognized sport

• Inspired a generation of young athletes

• Brought visibility to women’s achievements in professional rugby

• Broken barriers through her record-setting play and leadership

Her story — from a small Northland town in New Zealand to the world stage — reflects dedication, resilience, and passion.

Portia Woodman-Wickliffe’s life and career are a testament to what can be achieved through talent, hard work, and unwavering belief. From her sporting family roots in Kawakawa to becoming the most prolific try-scorer in New Zealand rugby history, she has left an indelible mark on the sport. Whether through Olympic triumphs, World Cup victories, mentoring young athletes, or advocating for women’s sport, Portia’s journey continues to inspire and uplift.

Her place in the history of rugby — and in the hearts of fans worldwide — is secure, and her legacy will continue to grow long after her final whistle.