Rugby players took to social media to announce their retirement after playing at the Paris Olympics. This has become a preferred avenue for most athletes who are taking control of their communication to avoid any misinterpretation.

Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, one of the most decorated women’s rugby players from New Zealand posted on her Instagram handle about plans to retire. The post on July 9, 2024 was sentimental. Part of the message read: “After 13 unbelievable years, it’s time for me to hang up my boots and retire from the sport that has been a massive part of my life. The Paris 2024 Olympics will be my final time representing New Zealand in Rugby 7s and wearing the Black jersey.”

The player recalled taking up rugby: “I was a young 17 yr old kid, still in high school when I first made the team. Now I’m 30 yrs old and about to play at my 3rd Olympic Games. This team and the sport of rugby has allowed me to travel the world to countries I could only dream of, amazing team mates that I call sisters, opportunities I never thought possible and so much more. One last stride in the Black Jersey…Paris 2024 here we come.”

Tyla King

Another player, Tyla King also announced her retirement after 12 years in the Black jersey. She wrote: “After 12 incredible years representing New Zealand in 7s and 15s, the upcoming Paris Olympics will be my last time playing in the Black jersey. Rugby has provided me with more than a career. It’s given me a second whanau in my sisters, opportunities to see the world and experience things I would have never otherwise. One last dance with my sisters in Paris.”

The announcements drew plenty of reactions from players – past and present – fans and team officials. Karl Tenana, a former All Blacks 7s captain Karl Tenana wrote: “A legacy like no other,” on Woodman-Wickliffe’s timeline.  King also contributed: “Absolute legend. Been alongside you since the start. Not only a legend in rugby but a legendary person too.”

Niall Williams who has switched to Rugby League referred to Woodman-Wickliffe as the most humble big hearted person ever. The greatest women’s rugby and 7s player. 

Woodman-Wickliffe who overcame injury worries and contemplated retiring early after the women’s Rugby World Cup said in an interview that she came back to see how far she can push for a place in the Olympics team. 

Changed the game

Ruby Tui who played with King recognized her impact in rugby. “Absolutely changed the game sis. Proved it is not the size that matters out there but dedication to your craft. You really went out there and undeniably became the best in the world at your job,” she wrote.

Both Woodman-Wickliffe and King steered New Zealand to their second Olympics gold after beating Canada in the final. The win was also a tribute to another returnee from injury, Sara Hirini, the first woman to play 200 matches in the World Rugby Sevens Series.

Naya Tapper, the USA women’s captain, also retired after the Olympics after steering the team to the podium. USA narrowly defeated Australia in the playoff to win the bronze. Such was the significance of this win, the first by any American team in 100 years.

For so many days now, the winning try by Alex Sedrick has been replayed severally by media networks in the USA and the win helped raise the profile of the game in a country that’s passionate about football, basketball, and baseball. 

One of the men’s players, Jerry Tuwai from Fiji who was drafted back into the team by the new coach Osea Kolonisau also had his last dance at the shorter version of the game. Fiji won a silver medal.

Results of women’s matches at the Olympics

Cup quarter final: New Zealand 55 China 5, Great Britain 7 USA 17, France 14 Canada 19, Australia 40 Ireland 7; Semi finals: New Zealand 24 USA 12, Canada 21 Australia 12; Play off: USA 14 Australia 12; Final: New Zealand 19 Canada 12.

Fifth place semi final: China 19 Great Britain 15, France 19 Ireland 7; Final: China 7 France 21.

Seventh place play off: Great Britain 28 Ireland 12.

Ninth place semi-final: Japan 15 South Africa 12, Fiji 22 Brazil 28; Final: Japan 38 Brazil 7.

Eleventh place play off: South Africa 21 Fiji 15.

Pool A: Fiji 14 Canada 17, New Zealand 43 China 5, Fiji 12 China 40, New Zealand 33 Canada 7, Canada 26 China 17, New Zealand 38 Fiji 7.

Pool B: Ireland 12 Great Britain 21, Australia 34 South Africa 5, Ireland 38 South Africa 5, Australia 36 Great Britain 5, Great Britain 26 South Africa 17, Australia 19 Ireland 14.

Pool C: USA 36 Japan 7, France 26 Brazil 0, USA 24 Brazil 5, France 49 Japan 0, Japan 39 Brazil 12, France 31 USA 14.