Woodman started her athletic journey at age eight, competing in athletics before moving to netball. Her switch to rugby sevens came after coach Sean Horan spotted her potential during the Go4Gold trials. She was drawn to the sport's team-oriented drills and the physical and speed elements that complemented her athletic background.

International Debut and Career Highlights

Woodman made her international debut for New Zealand in 2012. Known for her forward position, she has been coached by Allan Bunting and Cory Sweeney at the national level. Her career has been marked by numerous accolades, including being named Women's Sevens Player of the Decade (2010-19) by World Rugby in December 2020.

Awards and Achievements

Woodman's list of honours is extensive. She was named World Rugby Women's Player of the Year in 2017 (15-a-side) and Women's Sevens Player of the Year in 2015. She also received the New Zealand Women's Sevens Player of the Year award in 2013 and was the top scorer in multiple World Series seasons.

Challenges and Injuries

Despite her successes, Woodman has faced significant challenges. An Achilles tendon injury sidelined her for 12 months between 2018 and 2019. She also missed several World Series tournaments in 2014 due to back and ankle injuries but made a strong comeback in early 2015.

Influences and Inspirations

Woodman credits her father and brothers as the most influential figures in her career. She also looks up to New Zealand rugby union legend Jonah Lomu as her hero. Her family has a rich sporting heritage, with her father Kawhena Woodman and uncle Fred Woodman having played rugby union for New Zealand.

Other Sporting Endeavours

Before focusing on rugby sevens, Woodman played netball for the Northern Mystics in the ANZ Championship. She also represented New Zealand in rugby union (15-a-side) at the 2017 World Cup in Ireland, showcasing her versatility across different sports.

Personal Life

Woodman resides in Mount Maunganui with her partner Renee and daughter Kaia. Fluent in English and Maori, she balances her professional career with family life while continuing to inspire others through motivational speaking.

Future Ambitions

Looking ahead, Woodman aims to win a gold medal at future Olympic Games and continue excelling in international competitions. Her journey from athletics to netball and finally to rugby sevens highlights her adaptability and dedication to sports.

Portia Woodman's story is one of resilience, talent, and continuous growth. Her achievements on the field are matched by her influence off it, making her a notable figure in New Zealand's sporting landscape.