2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup finalists Sophie de Goede and Megan Jones are in the running for the sport’s top individual prize, with Jorja Miller the other nominee for World Rugby’s Player of the Year in partnership with HSBC.
World Rugby have also recognised Miller as a candidate for 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year, with New Zealand’s Braxton Sorensen-McGee and Josifini Neihamu from Fiji also up for the award after impressive rookie campaigns.
Miller was crowned the HSBC SVNS Series Women’s Player of the Year after a standout season with the Black Ferns Sevens in 2024/25, which saw the New Zealanders take out the World Championship at Los Angeles’ Dignity Health Sports Park in May.
Black Ferns captain Kennedy Tukuafu after defeat to Canada
Black Ferns captain Kennedy Tukuafu after defeat to Canada
After making the switch to 15s, Miller has scored five tries in six Tests, including two doubles at the Rugby World Cup. Miller started New Zealand’s first four matches at the tournament, but missed the semi-final against Canada at Bristol’s Ashton Gate.
De Goede and Jones complete a world-renowned trio of nominees along with Miller, with those two set to compete for World Cup glory at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium this weekend, after Canada defeated New Zealand, and England beat France in a thriller.
Wallabies great John Eales told RugbyPass last week that it was “unreal” to hear that another goal-kicking lock had found success on the international stage, with de Goede scoring more conversions than anyone else ahead of the semi-finals.
De Goede has received two Player of the Match awards at this World Cup, and the second-rower delivered another top performance against the Black Ferns last weekend. After recovering from an ACL injury, de Goede has scored 55 points for Canada during their run to the final.
The other nominee is Jones, who has started 11 of 12 matches for England in 2025. Jones made 19 tackles in Saturday’s win over France, and the outside centre also got on the scoresheet with a try in the dying stages.
“This remarkable Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 has demonstrated the very best of our game – the values, the unity, the incredible energy. At the heart of its success are our players, the stars of the show, who have not only been exceptional performers on the field, but who have forged an incredible bond with fans,” World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said.
“Today. we are excited to reveal our World Rugby Awards nominees in the women’s categories. Congratulations to all, but also to all the players, coaches and match officials who have played their full part in an era-defining year for the sport.”
As for the Breakthrough Player of the Year, Sorensen-McGee has scored 12 tries in just eight Test matches for New Zealand. Sorensen-McGee crossed for a double on debut against Australia and has since scored nine tries in five appearances at this World Cup.
Neihamu has also enjoyed a sensational rookie international season, with the centre producing some eye-catching plays on the field in both attack and defence. The 21-year-old has scored seven tries in six Tests, which included a hat-trick against Tonga in June.
The winners of these awards will be revealed during a trophy presentation at the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final on Saturday. Coach of the Year and Referee Award in partnership with Emirates will also be honoured during the ceremony.
After 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.