Black Ferns dominate World Rugby nominees
NEWS: World Rugby revealed the 2025 nominees for two of the game’s most prestigious honours, the Women’s 15s Player of the Year and the Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year.
The winners will be crowned during the trophy presentation ceremony at the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final at Twickenham Stadium, in front of what is set to be a record-breaking, sold-out crowd.
Since their inception in 2001, the World Rugby Awards have recognised and celebrated the achievements of those performing at the very highest level of the game, while also acknowledging excellence and dedication across development and administration, celebrating individuals who embody the true values of rugby.
The Women’s 15s Player of the Year remains one of the most coveted individual awards in the sport. Last year’s winner, Ellie Kildunne (England) was recognised for her exceptional 2024 campaign in which she inspired the Red Roses to a flawless season – 10 wins from 10, including the Women’s Six Nations and WXV 1 titles.
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2025 NOMINEES
Sophie de Goede (Canada)
Nominated for a second time in a World Cup year, De Goede may have moved into the second row since her return in July after a year out with an ACL injury, but her influence on matches is unchanged. She topped the charts for carries, offloads and line-out takes going into the final and has contributed 55 points to Canada’s cause, most of them from the tee as a rarity of a goal-kicking forward.
Megan Jones (England)
Since moving back to 15s after the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Jones hasn’t missed a beat and has started at centre in 11 of England’s 12 matches in 2025. She crossed for a brace in the record win over Samoa but it’s her work around the pitch that makes her invaluable to the Red Roses, be that bursting through gaps to send teammates over for tries, making big tackles or securing turnovers for her team.
Jorja Miller (New Zealand)
Crowned Women’s SVNS Player of the Year in May after another impressive season with the Black Ferns Sevens, Miller has made the switch to flanker in 15s with ease with five tries in six tests, including two doubles at RWC 2025. An explosive game-breaker and regarded by some as a “once in a generation talent”, she could become the first player to win both the 15s and sevens accolades in the same year.
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Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year 2025
This award celebrates players who have made an outstanding impact in their debut international season and are set to shape the future of the game. Last year’s Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year was Erin King (Ireland) who made an immediate impact in the 15s game following her transition from sevens after the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
2025 NOMINEES
Jorja Miller (New Zealand)
Crowned Women’s SVNS Player of the Year in May after another impressive season with the Black Ferns Sevens, Miller has made the switch to flanker in 15s with ease with five tries in six tests, including two doubles at RWC 2025. An explosive game-breaker and regarded by some as a “once in a generation talent”, she credits her highland dancing background for her agility and footwork.
Josifini Neihamu (Fiji)
Not the first member of her family to grace a Rugby World Cup – her brother Jone Naikabula played for Japan in 2023 – but Neihamu has left her own mark with two early tries in Fijiana’s historic victory over Wales in Exeter, the most by a player in a single tournament. The 21-year-old centre, often seen bursting through a defensive line, has seven tries in six tests, including a hat-trick on debut against Tonga in June.
Braxton Sorensen-McGee (New Zealand)
The 18-year-old announced her arrival on the test stage with a bang, scoring twice in the New Zealand’s Pacific Four Series opener against Australia in May and hasn’t let up since with 12 tries in eight tests, including nine at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 comprising two hat-tricks. Described as “elusive” and “instinctive” by Black Ferns Director of Performance Allan Bunting, she’s comfortable at wing and full-back in a back three blessed with attacking prowess.
The nominees for both of the awards were selected by a distinguished panel of former players and experts: Fiona Coghlan, Lena Corson, Abby Gustaitis, Heather Moyse, Shannon Parry, Melodie Robinson and Danielle Waterman.
In addition to the Player and Breakthrough Player of the Year awards, the Coach of the Year and Referee Award will also be honoured during the RWC 2025 Final, recognising the outstanding leadership and officiating that underpin the sport.
Following the conclusion of the tournament, World Rugby’s Women’s 15s Dream Team of the Year in partnership with Asahi and International Rugby Player Women’s 15s Try of the Year will be announced, celebrating the exceptional talent and unforgettable moments that have defined the competition.
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