Portia Woodman-Wickliffe left at crossroads after NRL blocks her code switch

Friday, 11 April 2025

Portia Woodman-Wickliffe has “no idea” what’s next after her move to rugby league was blocked because of her ambassadorial role for this year’s Rugby World Cup.

The legendary Black Fern is 33 and in the twilight years of a career that will be remembered in the game’s folklore for decades to come.

Still, throughout this season’s Super Rugby Aupiki, Woodman-Wickliffe has proved with the Blues that she retains much of the pace and power that propelled her to stardom in sevens and 15s.

Having achieved everything in both games, such as two World Cup wins and two Olympic gold medals, the timing of her proposed move to the Newcastle Knights for the next NRLW season seemed ideal.

However, her code switch was denied by the NRL. Woodman-Wickliffe spoke of her disappointment when addressing the issue for the first time, albeit briefly.

“Unfortunately, that didn’t go through,” she said on Thursday.

“When you sign a contract, image rights and all that is included. It just wasn’t going to happen.”

Woodman-Wickliffe repeated that she was focused on Saturday’s Super Rugby Aupiki final, with the Blues hosting Matatū at Eden Park.

Stuff has attempted to contact the NRL for comment.

World Rugby declined to comment. Rugby’s governing body is staging the next women’s World Cup in England in August and September.

AAP reported that a one-week absence during the NRLW season halted her registration, because she was contractually obliged to fulfil her duties as an ambassador at the World Cup.

Woodman-Wickliffe is a global ambassador for Mastercard, a major World Cup sponsor.

Had Woodman-Wickliffe joined the Knights, she would been used heavily to market the competition, while also promoting the rival code’s World Cup. The NRL was reportedly concerned about a conflict of interest.

One of rugby’s greatest attacking players, who has scored tries for fun and scattered flailing defenders like confetti, is left at a curious crossroads.

Not taking part in the NRLW, between July and October, means she won’t get one of the league’s lucrative contracts or continue playing in any code at an elite level.

What’s next?

“I don’t know. I haven’t really looked past the final. I’ve really enjoyed the Blues, the girls are a breath of fresh air. Everyone gets on great,” Woodman-Wickliffe said.

“We play boardgames. There’s a new game, Piles. You should really get it, it’s a fun game.”

Woodman-Wickliffe has retired from representing New Zealand in rugby.

Her last appearance for a national team was at last year’s Paris Olympics when the Black Ferns Sevens won gold for a second time.

She had a short stint in Japanese rugby after the Olympics and has nothing lined up beyond playing for the Blues.

Which begged the question, if the Blues were to lose to Matatū and not progress to next Thursday’s crossover final against the Australian Super Rugby winners, could Saturday be her final professional match in New Zealand?

“After the Paris Olympics, if I was to look back, I was ready to sit on my couch, have KFC and pop out some babies, but we’re here now,” she said.

“I have no idea. I can’t really answer that. Hopefully, we get the crossover game against [the winners from] Australia.”

There is every chance Woodman-Wickliffe will play rugby league next year.

Former sevens team-mates, such as Stacey Waaka, Tyla King, Tenika Willison and Niall Guthrie-Williams, have already played for Australian clubs. Michaela Brake is joining the returning Warriors’ women’s team in May.

While still in demand, what the future holds for Woodman-Wickliffe is unclear.

She is starting at centre as the Blues aim to defend their title against Matatū in Auckland.

Blues v Matatū – Super Rugby Aupiki final

Blues: Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Ruahei Demant, Jaymie Kolose, Krysten Cottrell, Tara Turner, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Taufa Bason, Holly Greenway, Maama Vaipulu, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Aldora Itunu, Atalanta Lolohea, Chryss Viliko. Reserves: Grace Gago, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Harono Te Iringa, Eloise Blackwell, Dajian Brown, Kahlia Awa, Sylvia Brunt, Patricia Maliepo.

Matatū: Kaea Nepia, Winnie Palamo, Amy du Plessis, Grace Brooker, Chey Robins-Reti, Hannah King, Maia Joseph; Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Laura Bayfield, Alana Bremner, Chelsea Bremner, Stacey Niao, Moomooga Palu, Georgia Ponsonby, Pip Love. Reserves: Tegan Hollows, Maddi Robinson, Amy Rule, Sarah Jones, Fiaali'i Solomona, Kelsyn McCook, Hollyrae Mete, Fia Laikong.