Portia Woodman in action for New Zealand against Wales at the Rugby World Cup quarter-final in 2022. Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz
Portia Woodman-Wickliffe says she is loving the competitive vibe as she tries to win back a place in the Black Ferns.
The 33-year-old announced her international retirement after the winning her second Olympic gold medal with the Black Ferns Sevens in July last year.
But playing at centre for the Blues in their successful Super Rugby Aupiki competition has spurred her into an attempt to make the World Cup squad this year and last week she signed an eight-month contract with New Zealand Rugby.
The Black Ferns are in a training camp in Upper Hutt this week, with a trial game being held on Tuesday before the squad is named on Thursday for next month's Pacific Four (Pac 4) series, which also involves Australia, Canada and United States.
The team's other big build-up to the World Cup will be taking on the Wallaroos in a test for the Laurie O'Reilly Cup in Wellington on 12 July.
Woodman-Wickliffe told Nathan Rarere on RNZ's First Up that the competition for places is intense but she is loving being back in the team environment.
"If I was to look at my two positions, I have four girls that I am trying to win over in winger and the same in centre," she said.
"It is really competitive and it's amazing, I love that and it is going to make the team so much better heading to Pac 4, then Laurie O'Reilly and then into the World Cup.
"Competition like this is perfect for the team."
Woodman-Wickliffe had hoped to switch codes and play for the Newcastle Knights in this year's NRLW competition but the move was blocked by the NRL because of her ambassadorial role for the Rugby World Cup.
But she is now giving her all in her bid to play for her country again at another World Cup and add to the two she won in 2017 and 2022. She is the top try-scorer in Rugby World Cup history, with 20.
Portia Woodman-Wickliffe in action for the Blues. Photo: Photosport
Her toughest assignment this week has been the Bronco, the rapid-fire sprint test that assess a player's aerobic capacity and speed.
"It's probably one thing I am really really nervous about but at the end of the day I got it done and am quite proud of my results," she said.
Her achievements include winning two Rugby World Cups (2017 and 2022), two sevens Rugby World Cups (2013 and 2018) and winning Olympic and Commonwealth golds. She holds the record for top try-scorer in Rugby World Cup history, with 20.
Meanwhile, former Māori All Black and British and Irish Lions international Riki Flutey has been added to the Black Ferns lineup as backs and skills coach.
He completes a coaching set-up comprising director of performance Allan Bunting, Tony Christie (rugby lead and attack), Steve Jackson (defence) and Dan Cron (forwards).
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