Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, the Black Ferns winger, has achieved a milestone by becoming the first rugby player from New Zealand to achieve 50 Test tries. This landmark score occurred against Japan in the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Previously, Doug Howlett, a former All Blacks winger, held New Zealand’s try-scoring record since the 2007 Men’s Rugby World Cup, having secured 49 tries in fewer than 65 appearances. Christian Cullen, Joe Rokocoko, and Julian Savea were previously tied in second place.
Woodman-Wickliffe has now surpassed them all, establishing a new all-time record with remarkable individual skill against Japan. The crowd in Exeter displayed anticipation when Woodman-Wickliffe received the ball, and the No. 14 player delivered.
Approximately 10 minutes after Japan surprisingly took a five-nil lead, Woodman-Wickliffe received the ball from Braxton Sorensen-McGee near the right sideline. Despite the distance, Woodman-Wickliffe advanced more than 40 meters, successfully breaking through two tackles.
“This is the danger woman! This is Portia Woodman-Wickliffe,” exclaimed the commentator on RugbyPass TV.
“Portia Woodman-Wickliffe is unstoppable. And Portia Woodman-Wickliffe scores! That is try number 50, marking that no one, male or female, has ever scored more in the black jersey.
“She’s recognized as the greatest try-scorer New Zealand rugby has ever produced.”
Half a century of tries 🤩
Portia Woodman-Wickliffe’s legacy grows even greater 🙇♀️#RWC2025 | #NZLvJPN pic.twitter.com/5h9WiR3hGu
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) August 31, 2025
The crowd’s volume increased with each stride taken by Woodman-Wickliffe. She is already regarded by many in women’s rugby as the ‘GOAT’, having set multiple records and received numerous awards in both sevens and 15s.
Besides being the top try-scorer in Black Ferns and All Blacks history, Woodman-Wickliffe is also a two-time Rugby World Cup winner (2017 & 2022) and has won two Olympic gold medals, retiring from sevens after the Paris Games.
In sevens, Woodman-Wickliffe also assisted New Zealand in securing medals at the Rugby Sevens World Cup, the Commonwealth Games, and the HSBC SVNS Series. In 2024, she also became the first player to ever score 250 international tries in sevens.
Woodman-Wickliffe has been honored with Player of the Year awards in both sevens and 15s, and was also recognized as the Sevens Player of the Decade. In 15s, the 34-year-old’s accomplishments speak volumes, marking her as a pioneer and icon in the sport.
“It establishes a benchmark for all women in sport, and all women rugby players, illustrating that anything is possible with a supportive environment and self-belief, but ultimately, it depends on the team and the environment,” Woodman-Wickliffe stated earlier this week regarding the potential of breaking Howlett’s record.
“I am incredibly proud of having scored as many tries as I have. My message to any young athlete would be to pursue your dreams, as you never know where they might lead. Just give it a go.
“At times, it feels a bit awkward that I retired, made a big announcement, and now I’m back! It’s exciting. I love rugby, and I love the girls,” she added.
“They constantly tease me, which is why I love the game. Having the chance to achieve these goals is an incredible opportunity. What I value most are the people and playing the game, and I couldn’t decline the opportunity since I was so close.”
