Sophie de Goede was crowned World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year in association with HSBC after helping guide Canada to the final of Rugby World Cup 2025 where they were beaten 33-13 by England at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.

Canada captain crowned Player of the Year after World Cup final at Allianz Stadium
Returns from 13-month ACL injury to lead Canada to first final since 2014
Finishes as tournament’s third-highest points scorer with 61 points
Scores crucial try in semifinal victory over New Zealand

The versatile second-row has been ever-present in a Canadian side that produced a masterclass performance through 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.

“It’s a real honour to receive the award,” De Goede said. “I don’t really have the words right now because I’m thinking about the loss. I’m proud of myself for sure, and it’s just been a real privilege to get back to playing with this team.”

The 26-year-old Saracens lock had only returned in July after 13 months out with an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Her comeback proved remarkable as she became the cornerstone of Canada’s unexpected run to their first World Cup final since 2014.

Despite being a second-row, De Goede ended Rugby World Cup 2025 as the third-highest points scorer, slotting 20 conversions and two penalties with the boot. She also scored three tries, including one in the barnstorming 34-19 semifinal win against New Zealand in Bristol.

Only two players scored more points than the Canadian’s 61 – Renee Holmes who finished second with 64 points, and Braxton Sorensen-McGee who topped the tournament with 69 points.

Throughout the pool stages, De Goede topped the charts for carries, offloads and lineout takes. She was named Player of the Match twice during Canada’s campaign, including the quarter-final victory over Australia at Bristol’s Ashton Gate.

On being lifted on her teammates’ shoulders after the award announcement, De Goede said: “It just shows the unity and joy and love that the team has for each other. It’s just a privilege for me to get to play with these women and I look forward to continue doing that.”

The award marked De Goede’s second nomination for the honour in a World Cup year. She triumphed over fellow nominees Megan Jones of England and New Zealand’s Jorja Miller, both of whom had outstanding tournaments.
Canada’s journey to the final carried extra significance given their fundraising efforts. Their ‘Mission: Win Rugby World Cup’ campaign sought to raise one million dollars to help them compete with better-funded teams, reaching 95% of the target by the final.

“We have the ability as a team, a nation and a programme to win the World Cup,” De Goede said. “We could have done it today but just didn’t put it out on the field. If we can have greater investment it will only increase the odds heading into Australia in 2029.”

De Goede’s individual honour provided recognition for Canadian rugby on the global stage, confirming her status as one of the world’s premier players and underscoring the impact she has made in leading Canada to its best World Cup finish since 2014.

Teenage sensation Braxton Sorensen-McGee was named Women’s 15s 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 46-24 in the Bronze Final earlier in the day.

• 18-year-old finishes as tournament’s top scorer with 11 tries and 69 points
• Records back-to-back hat-tricks during pool stages
• Scores twice in bronze medal victory over France
• Makes Test debut just four months before World Cup
• Becomes youngest Breakthrough Player winner at Rugby World Cup

The 18-year-old winger added seven conversions to her 11 tries to finish Rugby World Cup 2025 as the tournament’s top points scorer with 69, ahead of teammate Renee Holmes on 64 and Canada’s Sophie de Goede with 61.
“Pretty unreal,” the teenager said. “I’m pretty speechless at the moment. No words can really explain how I feel right now but I feel great.”

Sorensen-McGee made her Test debut in May’s Pacific Four Series opener against Australia, scoring twice. In just four months, she progressed from promising newcomer to World Cup sensation, lighting up the tournament with her pace and finishing ability.

Her hat-tricks against Japan and Brazil during the pool stages announced her arrival on the world stage. Described as “elusive” and “instinctive” by Black Ferns director of performance Allan Bunting, she consistently turned half-chances into tries throughout the tournament.

“I actually didn’t think that I would be close to that at the beginning of the tournament, but here now I’m grateful for how hard I worked for it,” Sorensen-McGee said about her points-scoring achievement.

The bronze medal match against France provided the perfect finale to her breakthrough campaign. Her first try in the 46th minute saw her dummy one defender before stepping inside the final defender to score. The second, fifteen minutes later, came from good work down the right touchline by Stacey Waaka.

On being asked what advice she would give to youngsters picking up a rugby ball after watching her light up RWC 2025, Sorensen-McGee said: “Just give it a go. You won’t really know how it will go if you don’t give it a go. Be confident in yourself and back yourself because other people will back you.”

The award was contested by fellow Black Ferns flanker Jorja Miller and Fiji centre Josifini Neihamu. Miller had made a successful transition from sevens where she was recently crowned Player of the Year, while Neihamu scored seven tries in six tests including a hat-trick on debut.

“To see Braxton acknowledged this evening is a testament to the attributes and skills she brings to the team,” said New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson.

Sorensen-McGee’s versatility proved valuable throughout the campaign. Comfortable at both wing and fullback, she provided the Black Ferns with tactical flexibility in their back three. Her partnership with Holmes saw the pair combine for 50% of New Zealand’s tournament points.

Her rise began with a starring role in the Blues’ successful Super Rugby Aupiki season, which earned her national selection. The decision to fast-track her into the Test arena proved inspired, with Sorensen-McGee scoring 14 tries in her eight Tests to date.

At 18, she becomes the youngest Breakthrough Player winner at a Rugby World Cup. Looking ahead to Australia 2029, she will be just 22 and entering her prime years, promising an exciting future for the Black Ferns despite their semifinal exit in this tournament.

England head coach John Mitchell has been awarded Coach of the Year for his part in delivering the Red Roses’ third World Cup title in history, and such has been his influence that he is still yet to incur a defeat since arriving at his post two years ago.

• Mitchell guides England to first World Cup triumph since 2014
• Extends winning streak to unprecedented 33 matches
• Maintains perfect record since taking charge two years ago
• England defeat Canada 33-13 in final at Allianz Stadium
• Becomes fifth New Zealander to win World Rugby coaching honour

The 61-year-old New Zealander received the award immediately after England’s 33-13 victory over Canada in front of 81,885 spectators at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, completing a perfect 2025 campaign that included a Six Nations Grand Slam.

“It’s not really so much about me,” Mitchell said after his side’s win. “I’m the old bugger that’s been going for 30 years. You get some and you don’t get some.

“I am so pleased that these girls have realised their potential. This has been a very good team for a long time, but I think they deserve to be termed a great side today. They’re a phenomenal group.”

Mitchell took over from Simon Middleton after the men’s 2023 World Cup, inheriting a team that had reached back-to-back World Cup finals in 2017 and 2022 but lost both to New Zealand. His task was to transform a very good team into world champions.

Under his guidance, England have won all 33 matches since his appointment. The Red Roses secured the 2024 Six Nations with a points difference of +238, followed by the 2025 edition with +270. At this World Cup, England conceded just 45 points while scoring 233 across six matches.

His tactical innovations, particularly the rush defence system, proved decisive throughout the tournament. France managed just three points in the semifinal, while Canada found themselves unable to break through in the final despite their fairytale run.

Mitchell becomes the fifth New Zealander to win the award after Graham Henry (2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011), Sir Steve Hansen (2012, 2013, 2014, 2016), Joe Schmidt (2018) and Wayne Smith (2022). He is also the third women’s coach to receive the honour, following his predecessor Middleton (2021) and Smith (2022).

“There is a lot of swings and roundabouts in this trade,” Mitchell said. “But it is not just me as I couldn’t win this award without my other coaches and staff.”

His coaching career spans three decades, including time as All Blacks head coach from 2001-2003, stints with the Golden Lions in Super Rugby, Wasps in the Premiership, and assistant roles with both the All Blacks and United States.

The decision to recall Megan Jones from sevens proved particularly inspired, with the centre starting 11 of England’s 12 matches in 2025. His rotation policy throughout the year ensured the squad arrived at the World Cup fresh and injury-free.

“John came in and immediately raised standards,” said England captain Marlie Packer. “Nothing was acceptable unless it was excellent. That mentality shift has made the difference. We always believed we could win, but now we knew we would win.”

Mitchell’s appointment has raised the bar for coaching in women’s rugby. The detailed analysis, professional standards and tactical sophistication he brought to the Red Roses has influenced the global game.

Looking ahead, the Rugby Football Union will be keen to retain Mitchell’s services through to the 2029 World Cup in Australia. At 61, he has shown no signs of slowing down and the prospect of building on this success will likely appeal to both parties.

The award caps a remarkable year for Mitchell and England rugby. Having finally delivered the World Cup that had eluded the Red Roses, he has transformed them from nearly-champions into an unstoppable force that has redefined excellence in women’s rugby.