Black Ferns Olympics star Portia Woodman-Wickliffe has announced her next move - she is taking up a playing role at Japanese club Mie Pearls, along with partner Renee, a former Black Ferns player, who will join as an assistant coach.
Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, a double Olympic gold medallist after helping the Black Ferns to victory in Paris recently, retired from international rugby after the Olympics.
She broke the news on Breakfast before travelling to Paris, saying: "I feel honoured that I have the choice to do it on my own terms."
The Woodman-Wickliffes will make the trip to Japan with their young daughter Kaia.
“I’ve been fortunate to visit and play in Japan many times with sevens and I’ve always loved the country, the culture and the people," Portia, one of New Zealand rugby's most decorated and successful players, said.
"Having the opportunity to play for the Pearls, alongside a special group of women in an exciting 15s competition is something I’m really looking forward to. I can’t wait to join the Pearls and for our whānau to experience living abroad together, with our daughter Kaia joining us.
Renee said: “Having never been to Japan, I’m looking forward to experiencing the country, culture and wonderful people I’ve heard so much about. It’s an amazing opportunity to further grow as a coach, something I’m hugely passionate about and I can’t wait to experience that with the Pearls, joining their management staff. To do so with Portia and Kaia will be a special experience.”
The family will depart for Yokkaichi, where the club is based, in late October ahead of the season's start.
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