By Lucy Thomson, in London
Canada's lock Sophie de Goede receives the player of the tournament trophy after the Women’s Rugby World Cup final between Canada and England at Twickenham, London. Photo: AFP
Analysis - World Rugby women's player of the year Sophie de Goede tops the choice of my five standout performers at the Women's Rugby World Cup.
Canada downed the Black Ferns in their semi-final but could not match the power of England in the final, with the tournament favourites winning 33-13.
Here are the top five.
1. Sophie de Goede (Canada).
De Goede inspired the Canadian players. Photo: www.photosport.nz
Crowned World Rugby women's player of the year, the versatile Canadian lock was ever-present throughout the tournament, despite missing most of the 2024 season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). She was a dominant defensive presence for her side and, despite being a second rower, finished as the tournament's third-highest points scorer, slotting 20 conversions and two penalties with the boot. The 26-year-old also crossed for three tries, including a crucial effort in Canada's semifinal victory over New Zealand in Bristol.
Sorensen-McGee in action against France. Photo: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland/ PHOTOSPORT
2. Braxton Sorensen-McGee (New Zealand)
No surprise that Sorensen-McGee was named as World Rugby 15s breakthrough player of the year. One of only two players to outscore de Goede, the young Black Fern topped the points leaderboard with 69.
At just 18 years old, she announced herself as a star of the future, running in 11 tries, five more than any other player at the tournament, and also slotted seven conversions. Her composure, clinical finishing, and natural flair marked her out as one of the breakout talents of the competition - and a player who will no doubt be a threat for years to come.
Megan Jones scores against Samoa. Photo: GLYN KIRK
3. Megan Jones (England)
Since returning to 15s after the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Jones has been both consistent and reliable for the Red Roses. She started at centre in 12 of England's last 13 matches and proved invaluable during the World Cup. Jones brings both the ability to burst through gaps on attack and be a formidable defensive presence, making big tackles and securing crucial turnovers when England needed them most.
Jorja Miller celebrates a try. Photo: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland / PHOTOSPORT
4. Jorja Miller (New Zealand)
Crowned women's sevens player of the year in May, Miller made the transition seamlessly to 15s with ease. Her explosive athleticism, dazzling footwork, and ability to spark line breaks made her one of the most exciting players to watch at the World Cup.
Although injury ruled her out of the semifinal, the nominee for both 15s player of the year and breakthrough player of the year still managed two try scoring doubles during the tournament. At just 21, Miller is another Black Fern with a huge future ahead.
England's full back Ellie Kildunne scores a try during the Women’s Rugby World Cup final between Canada and England. Photo: AFP
5. Ellie Kildunne (England)
Heading into the World Cup, Kildunne was always going to be pivotal to England's title hopes - and she delivered in style. Despite suffering a head knock in pool play that ruled her out of the quarterfinal, the fullback returned with a vengeance in the semifinal against France, scoring two breathtaking solo tries to send England into the final.
At Twickenham, she lit up the decider, taking the ball just inside Canada's half before stepping inside two defenders with ease to score under the posts. That moment swung momentum England's way and set them on course for their first World Cup crown in 11 years.
