Why Woodman is a class above her global peers
Black Ferns star Portia Woodman was the influential rugby players in the world. player overall and below she explains
‘‘Iwant you to be like Portia Woodman,’’ were the instructions of former sevens coach Sean Horan.
As far as medal-winning game plans go, it was undercooked, but you can see why anyone involved in rugby would want to be like Portia. She effortlessly represents what many fans are crying out for in the world of overproduced social media content; Portia is herself. And who Portia is, connects rugby to many communities out of touch with the sport.
Often compared to Jonah Lomu on the field, their similarities are arguably stronger off it. Both emerged as icons of the code as the sport transitioned into the professional era. While the women’s game has far to go in this respect, the appeal and charisma of a player like Portia does much to champion our cause.
Like Jonah before her, Portia is a player that is known by one name.
Portia has been one of the lucky few of our wa¯ hine to have made rugby her fulltime job. While the transition post-rugby can be painful for many, you get the sense that Portia will be happy to pick up her hammer and build her new life.
The game demands so much of its stars, this reminder of a whole life to be lived is an important check for our athletes, whose next career is only one injury away.
A proud Nga¯ puhi wa¯ hine, her wha¯ nau instilled early the importance of knowing who you are by understanding who you are. Her confidence on and off the field is rooted in her inner identity and in honouring the gifts of her tı¯puna.
Portia has described herself as Ma¯ ori with a sprinkling of everything else and seeks to know all parts of who she is. A lesson there for our wider rugby community to understand and embrace the same.
She has a beautiful partnership with fellow Black Fern Renee Wickliffe. I can only imagine what impact the role modelling of their relationship is having on our queer youth. I might have found the door to my own closet quicker if I had had more women such as Portia and Renee showing me the way.
If you want to be like Portia Woodman then you need to be authentically yourself. There is radical power in living out loud, rugby and the world need more of it.