Former Black Ferns and Black Ferns Sevens star Portia Woodman-Wickliffe will play for the Blues Women in Super Rugby Aupiki next season after signing a one-year contract.
A proud Northlander, Woodman-Wickliffe will link up with the Blues after a stint with the Mie Pearls in Japan and felt the opportunity to play Super Rugby Aupiki alongside her niece, Kerri Johnson, was too good to miss.
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“Kerri played for the Blues last season and loved every moment, it was inspiring to see what the team achieved, and it was something I wanted to be a part of,” said Woodman-Wickliffe.
“The chance to play with my niece is something pretty special for me and my whānau, and to be honest I need to get in and play with her now before she’s off playing in a black jersey in the coming years!”
Woodman-Wickliffe also discussed the move with her wife, Renee Woodman-Wickliffe, who was part of the Blues last season.
“Renee only had good things to say about the culture and vibe of the Blues, after speaking with her, I knew I wanted to come and play,” she said.
Blues head coach Willie Walker is absolutely stoked to have Woodman-Wickliffe signed.
“Her skills on the park speak for themselves, she’s world class,” said Walker.
“Having Portia with us is also going be hugely beneficial for the team off the field. Her experience around all aspects of physical preparation, recovery and mental skills is going to be a huge asset for those around her.”
One of the most globally recognised names in women’s rugby, Woodman-Wickliffe has had a glittering career in both XVs and Sevens.
She won two World Cups with the Black Ferns, gold medals in both Olympic and Commonwealth Games competitions for the Black Ferns Sevens, as well as two World Cup Sevens crowns and multiple Sevens World Series titles.
On top of team success, Woodman-Wickliffe has claimed a host of personal accolades including the 2020 World Rugby Women's Sevens Player of the Decade.