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 are world champions once more. Eleven years of heartache, two agonising final defeats, and the weight of a nation’s expectation were finally lifted at a raucous Allianz Stadium as the Red Roses demolished Canada 33-13 to claim their third World Cup title. Before a record crowd of 82,000, John Mitchell’s side delivered when it mattered most, their forward dominance proving too much for Kevin Rouet’s brave underdogs who had dared to dream of completing their crowdfunded fairytale.

Key moments:

5′ – Asia Hogan-Rochester opens scoring after Fabiola Forteza break, Sophie de Goede conversion hits post (Canada 5-0)
8′ – Ellie Kildunne produces brilliant solo try stepping through multiple defenders, Zoe Harrison converts (5-7)
19′ – Amy Cokayne scores from driving maul, Harrison converts (5-14)
26′ – Alex Matthews powers over from close-range scrum, Harrison converts (5-21)
33′ – De Goede kicks penalty (8-21)
50′ – Abbie Ward burrows over from close range, Harrison hits post (8-26)
52′ – Hannah Botterman yellow carded for dangerous tip tackle on Karen Paquin
53′ – Hogan-Rochester finishes slick left-side move for second try, De Goede misses conversion (13-26)
69′ – Matthews barges over for second try, Harrison converts (13-33)

The victory was built on brutal physicality up front, where England’s pack dismantled Canada’s challenge through set-piece supremacy and relentless breakdown work. Alex Matthews scored twice, Sadia Kabeya and Abbie Ward were tireless, whilst Hannah Botterman’s work at the ruck proved crucial despite her second-half yellow card. Behind them, Ellie Kildunne sparkled with individual brilliance, producing a moment of magic that shifted momentum irreversibly in the opening exchanges.

VICTORY AT HOME!!

THE RUGBY WORLD CUP IS OURS 🏆#RedRoses | #RWC2025 pic.twitter.com/o3PrjZHi3y

— Red Roses (@RedRosesRugby) September 27, 2025

Canada, having trained with headphones on during the week to prepare for the hostile atmosphere, appeared unbothered initially. They struck first through Hogan-Rochester after just five minutes, Forteza finding space before feeding the winger to race 15 metres and touch down in the corner. De Goede’s conversion struck the right upright, but the visitors led and the crowd fell momentarily silent.

The advantage lasted barely three minutes. Playing under penalty advantage, Kildunne received the ball in the 12 channel surrounded by defenders with seemingly no escape. What followed epitomised her world-class quality. Stepping inside through two tacklers, the Harlequins full-back accelerated into space before gliding around two more desperate defenders to score under the posts. Harrison’s conversion put England ahead, and the momentum had shifted.

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 27: Ellie Kildunne of England races clear to score her team’s first try during the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Final match between Canada and England at Allianz Stadium on September 27, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

England’s forward power began to tell. Botterman won a crucial turnover as Canada attacked just outside their 22, and the Red Roses’ scrum started to dominate. From a lineout 10 metres out on 19 minutes, Zoe Aldcroft claimed clean possession and England’s driving maul proved unstoppable. Cokayne, positioned at the back, was driven over for her 41st international try. Harrison’s conversion extended the lead to nine points.

Canada refused to capitulate, with De Goede, Karen Paquin and DaLeaka Menin carrying forcefully inside England’s 22. Yet the Red Roses’ defensive brutality forced the visitors backwards before Justine Pelletier’s chip kick was marked by Kildunne. The gulf in physicality was becoming apparent.

England’s third try arrived from their dominant scrum on 26 minutes. The pack drove forward with venom before the ball spilled to Natasha Hunt. The scrum-half darted towards the posts before offloading inside to Matthews, who dived over. Harrison’s conversion made it 21-5, and England appeared in complete control.

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 27: Alex Matthews of England scores her team’s third try during the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Final match between Canada and England at Allianz Stadium on September 27, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

The Red Roses thought they had extended their advantage further when Cokayne appeared to score from another driving maul, but Television Match Official Leo Colgan ruled Maud Muir had sealed off Canadian defenders before the maul formed. The try was disallowed for obstruction, offering Canada brief respite.

The visitors finally gained reward when De Goede slotted a penalty from directly in front after England infringed at a ruck 22 metres out, reducing the deficit to 13 points. But England dominated the closing stages of the half, with Botterman winning another crucial turnover before Hunt kicked to touch to end a first period that had promised much for Canada but delivered English superiority.

The second half began with Alex Tessier producing a magnificent 50-22 kick that Hunt couldn’t reach, offering Canada a platform deep in England territory. Yet Abbie Ward stole the lineout throw, and when Emily Tuttosi overthrew the next lineout, Canada’s set-piece frailties were becoming costly.

England struck again on 50 minutes. Matthews drove from the base of a scrum five metres out, and two phases later Ward burrowed low to force herself over the line. Harrison’s conversion struck the post, but at 26-8, England’s grip on the trophy was tightening.

Then came the moment that threatened to alter the narrative. Botterman was shown a yellow card for a dangerous tip tackle on Paquin, lifting the openside beyond the horizontal and dumping her on her shoulder. Canada struck immediately, working the ball slickly left for Hogan-Rochester to score her second try in the corner. De Goede’s conversion drifted wide, but at 13-26 with England down to 14, hope flickered.

Julia Schell burst through a gap soon after, feeding Olivia Apps who regathered her own kick 15 metres out. Canada hammered away through multiple phases in the red zone, their dynamic attack finally finding space. Yet England’s defence refused to yield, holding firm through five minutes of sustained pressure before an error by Forteza gifted them release.

The moment proved decisive. On 66 minutes, with Canada feeding a scrum, England demolished their opponents with a humiliating eight-woman shove that splintered the scrum and Canadian souls alike. The penalty was awarded for angling in, and Harrison found touch on halfway. It was a devastating statement from a pack that had dominated throughout.

Three minutes later, the trophy was secured. Kildunne launched a high kick that an exhausted De Goede fumbled forward in her own 22. England pounced, and Matthews barged low between two defenders to score her second try. Harrison’s conversion made it 33-13, and the Red Roses faithful erupted in celebration.

Canada tried gamely to create something in the closing stages, working through 14 phases around halfway, but England’s defence held firm. When the final whistle sounded with Rosie Galligan clutching the ball in a lineout maul, the emotion poured out. Tears fell, smiles rose, and hugs were clasped as England’s players celebrated redemption.

“It’s amazing, thank you to everyone who came here, you are our 16th man on the pitch,” said Player of the Match Kabeya. “We’ve been working really hard. It’s a pinch me moment, but it’s been years in the making and so glad we can pull it off for you today. We did all the right things today.”

For Canada, the disappointment was crushing yet their achievement remarkable. From crowdfunding nearly a third of their World Cup budget to reaching their first final since 2014, Rouet’s semi-professional side had defied expectations throughout. They had proven they belonged on rugby’s grandest stage, even if England’s professionalism and power proved too much.

The statistics told the story of English dominance. Their scrum had provided a platform for superiority, their lineout maul had been virtually unstoppable save for one disallowed score, and their defensive physicality had stifled Canada’s dynamic attack when it threatened most. Kildunne’s moment of individual brilliance aside, England’s tries had come from forward power, a deliberate strategy against opponents who had dazzled with pace and ambition.

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 27: Alex Matthews of England scores her team’s third try during the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Final match between Canada and England at Allianz Stadium on September 27, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

Mitchell had urged his players to “trust what we’ve built” over three years, and they delivered when it mattered most. The 32-Test winning run had been extended to 33, and the asterisk against their status as the world’s best team had been emphatically removed. After the heartbreak of losing to New Zealand in Auckland three years ago, with seven players from that day starting this final, redemption tasted sweet.

For Alex Matthews and Natasha Hunt, the only two players from England’s 2014 triumph over Canada still in the matchday 23, the circle was complete. They had lifted the trophy 11 years ago in Paris; now they had done so again on home soil before the biggest crowd in women’s rugby history.