De Goede named World Rugby Player of the Year
NEWS: Sophie de Goede was crowned World Rugby Player of the Year after helping guide Canada to the final of the Rugby World Cup 2025, where they were beaten by the Red Roses at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.
The versatile second-row has been ever-present in a Canadian side that put in a masterclass all the way to their semifinal victory over the Black Ferns, before ultimately falling short at the final hurdle against a brilliant Red Roses team claiming their third title in history.
England head coach John Mitchell was awarded Coach of the Year for his part in delivering that title, and such has been his influence that he has yet to incur a defeat since arriving at his post two years ago.
Teenage sensation Braxton Sorensen-McGee, meanwhile, was named Breakthrough Player of the Year after a debut Rugby World Cup in which she was top scorer with 11 tries – two of which came as the Black Ferns beat France in the Bronze Final earlier in the day.
Despite being a second-row, De Goede ended the World Cup 2025 as the third-highest points scorer, slotting 20 conversions and two penalties with the boot. The 26-year-old also scored three tries, including one which came in that barnstorming win against New Zealand in Bristol a week ago.
Only two players scored more points than the Canadian’s 61; Renee Holmes, who finished the tournament in second place with 64 points, and Sorensen-McGee, who was top with 69 points.
